PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUIS VUITTON

Just when you thought that you had seen it all as far as Louis Vuitton’s hard-sided trunks are concerned, today is all about bags which take inspiration from the French luxury house’s signature trunks. Consider this a refresher on familiar favourites like the Petite Malle and Petite Boîte Chapeau, as well as all-new silhouettes recently introduced by the Men’s Creative Director Virgil Abloh.

Starting it all off would be the one-and-only Petite Malle created by Nicolas Ghesquière at his debut Fall-Winter 2014 runway show for Louis Vuitton. The most famous of them all, the Petite Malle is an elegant hard-sided handbag that carries all the signature codes of trunk-making.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUIS VUITTON

From the S-lock closure to the reinforced corners just like what you’ll find on actual trunks, this is one that can be carried as a clutch or worn as a crossbody bag by way of the removable shoulder strap. This practical size (20 cm by 12.5 cm) is large enough to fit your mobile phone with ample space for a small SLG and random bits and bobs. Aside from classic styles in Monogram Canvas and Monogram Reverse, Louis Vuitton continues to introduce it in seasonal collections such as the new patent calfskin one that features Piero Fornasetti’s architectural print.

But that’s not all. Nicolas Ghesquière also introduced the Petite Boîte Chapeau (SGD6700) which is a reimagined variation of their classic hat box. Shrunken down to a small and compact size that measures 17.5 cm wide and 16.5 cm high, the structured bag has gone on to become a classic creation that will only weather the test of time.

Then there’s the Valisette Tresor (SGD11,700) that’s inspired by the familiar shape of the Coffret Tresor 20. The studded lozines and S-lock (with key) remain a prominent feature of the bag, amped up with an extra top handle and strap that offer new ways of carrying.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUIS VUITTON

Now, Virgil Abloh has had his fair share of trunk-inspired bags as well, though they each come with a unique element (Abloh’s 3% rule) for a modern and contemporary twist. Both the Clutch Box (SGD13,500) and the Vertical Trunk (SGD12,100) come with the pin closure system instead of the classic S-Lock, and they also appear in exciting new materials like Taurillon leather in white and the LV Pop print, which sees the classic monogram splashed in a bright yellow hue.

Another of Virgil Abloh’s signature creations also includes the Soft Trunk which is now widely available in different sizes, though the Mini Soft Trunk (SGD5650) takes the cake for its avant-garde debossed pattern on the smooth black cowhide leather that’s no less hard to resist.

For more information, do visit LOUISVUITTON.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOUIS VUITTON | THIS FOUR-PART SERIES IS CREATED IN COLLABORATION WITH LOUIS VUITTON