Louis Vuitton's '200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries: The Exhibition' in Beverly Hills

To commemorate the 200th birthday of its founder, Louis Vuitton presented “200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries: The Exhibition” in Beverly Hills. This event celebrated the creative spirit and legacy of Louis Vuitton, highlighting his enduring influence on design and fashion.

First introduced in 1854, Louis Vuitton’s products have transcended mere commodities to become cultural artifacts influencing global artistic expression. In this exhibition, 200 visionary artists and designers from diverse fields—ranging from art and culture to science—reimagined the iconic Louis Vuitton trunk, each infusing it with unique perspectives. These creations, blending past, present, and future, were displayed with reverence. Post-exhibition, all trunks were auctioned by Sotheby’s, with proceeds benefiting charitable organizations.

Located on Rodeo Drive, a hub of luxury retail in Beverly Hills, the exhibition offered visitors a journey through innovation and creativity. The inaugural room featured an immersive display with projections on walls and the artwork “And tomorrow where shall we go?” by Matt Clark of United Visual Artists (UVA), integrating new technologies with traditional mediums like sculpture and performance.

Photo: Lynn V

Among the standout pieces was the “Flying Trunk” by French inventor Franky Zapata, founder of Z-AIR, known for his hydro-powered machines and multiple world championships. Another notable work, “Tea Party for Louis!” by architect Frank Gehry, evoked whimsical narratives reminiscent of “Alice in Wonderland.”

A collaborative piece by Lego, crafted in Milly-La-Forêt near Paris, depicted a birthday cake celebrating Louis Vuitton’s bicentennial, constructed over 50 hours using 31,700 Lego bricks by one adult and seven children. Adjacent to it stood the “Contemporary Landscape Trunk” by Alaska Alaska, exploring the boundaries of design language and art.

Jean-Michel Othoniel’s “Trunk of Hope,” made from glass blown near the Taj Mahal and inspired by Indian clay bricks, symbolized the universal dream of home. Derek Blasberg’s “Monster’s Playhouse” reflected his multifaceted career in fashion and media.

Rob Cristofaro’s multimedia artwork combined graffiti, typography, and design, representing contemporary life in New York and America. Kate Daudy’s “Louis the Sheep” featured a large sheep containing 199 smaller ones, constructed from recycled and natural materials, emphasizing sustainability.

“Roots” by Tracey Deep, a fiber sculpture, highlighted the significance of trees in the environment and familial roots across generations. Robert Moy of the Brooklyn Balloon Company transformed ordinary balloons into sculptures, creating an immersive balloon cave.

Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman’s sketch portrayed the trunk as an aquarium with two individuals swimming and dancing together, exploring themes of isolation and connection. Pablo Ganguli’s “Liberatum” envisioned a galaxy of dreams and transformative journeys through gravity-defying dances.

“House of Dream,” under the artistic direction of Cheng Ran from Inner Mongolia, China, challenged perceptions of space and structure using diverse materials. Magician Dynamo (Steven Frayne) presented an illusion of a trunk inside a glass bottle, showcasing his renowned magical feats.

The exhibition also featured contributions from global icons like BTS, Supreme, Peter Marino, Alex Israel, Nigo, and Fornasetti, each adding their unique touch to the celebration of Louis Vuitton’s legacy.

For more information, please refer to the official Louis Vuitton website.

Louis Vuitton X
Address: 468 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, California, US.
Friday, July 29 – Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Monday – Saturday 10AM – 8PM
Sunday 11AM – 8PM