Of Elegance and Romance
Tatler Philippines|August 2021
As Louis Vuitton prepares to celebrate the bicentennial of its founder’s birth, Dr Vicki Belo shares her thoughts about the brand and what she loves about the piece that started it all for the Maison: steamer trunks
Of Elegance and Romance

Mention the words “steamer trunk” and almost instantaneously people start thinking about long-ago voyages aboard steamships sailing across the globe—an image both romantic and awe-inspiring even in these days of high-speed travel.

The steamer trunks we know today as elegant leather crates embellished with polished metal locks and accents were the invention of a malletier (luggage maker) whose name continues to be synonymous with bags and luggage of exceptional quality and craftsmanship: Louis Vuitton.

Born August 4, 1821, Vuitton is credited for crafting a steamer trunk that would be a viable alternative to the heavy, round-lidded chests commonly used for storage and travel in the mid-19th century.

Renowned in Paris for the excellence of his craftsmanship, Vuitton earned a commission to make luggage for the Empress Eugénie de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III. The Empress, who was acclaimed for her own impeccable style, asked the malletier to create luggage for “packing the most beautiful clothes in an exquisite way”.

This imperial commission led to the creation of a durable, lightweight, rectangular leather trunk that was spacious on the inside, filled with several compartments to safely hold small fragile items throughout an extended journey and equipped with a pick-proof lock for optimal security.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TATLER PHILIPPINESView all
SWEET SWISS SOJOURN
Tatler Philippines

SWEET SWISS SOJOURN

There is an undeniable charm that the Alps hold. Even skiing down its slopes has its own adrenalinefuelled appeal. But one can forego the adventure to indulge in what Switzerland has to offer

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
CAN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY BE SAVED?
Tatler Philippines

CAN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY BE SAVED?

Rising costs, low audience turnout and lack of originality are issues affecting Philippine cinema today. We ask director and Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairman Jose Javier Reyes what needs to be done to ensure its survival

time-read
6 mins  |
August 2024
NEW NOSTALGIA
Tatler Philippines

NEW NOSTALGIA

Grammy-winning Gen Z singer songwriter Laufey refuses to be put into boxes and talks on the importance of going off the sheet music' in both performance and life

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
Perfect HARMONY
Tatler Philippines

Perfect HARMONY

Over the past 40 years, OPM icons Pops Fernandez, Martin Nievera, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Gary Valenciano have been captivating audiences with songs about love, life and inspiration. In an interview with Tatler, they shared their journeys and challenges, discussed the current state of the Philippine music industry, and expressed their aspirations for the new generation that is taking OPM to the global stage

time-read
10+ mins  |
August 2024
LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU
Tatler Philippines

LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU

For our inaugural Entertainment and Culture Issue, we spotlight the world of music by featuring 26 exceptional stars among the best and brightest in the country

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2024
Night of Glamour
Tatler Philippines

Night of Glamour

Solidifying its position in the market, the Belo Medical Group has once again showcased why it is one of the top aesthetic practitioners in the country

time-read
1 min  |
August 2024
From Combat to Health
Tatler Philippines

From Combat to Health

Colonel Ariel Querubin's dedication to well-being echoes a mission of empowering individuals to live healthy, protected lives

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2024
More than Meals
Tatler Philippines

More than Meals

Three inspirational women demonstrate how fresh, exceptional food connects and nourishes us across time through luxury brands Sub-Zero and Wolf

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
Zig Dulay
Tatler Philippines

Zig Dulay

From thought-provoking dramas to enchanting fantasies, Zig Dulay is reintroducing the Filipino narrative to the world

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
My Top Shot
Tatler Philippines

My Top Shot

Photographer Filbert Kung shares the inspiration behind his Chronology of a Mind exhibition in Milan

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2024