louis vuitton exhibition '200 trunks, 200 visionaries' lands in LA

the original trunk as a blank canvas

French luxury label Louis Vuitton celebrates the opening of 200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries: The Exhibition on Beverly Hills‘ Rodeo Drive. The event was held in honor of the legacy of its founder — himself born 201 years ago — whose first trunk was released in 1858. The traveling show arrived in Los Angeles on Friday July 28th after its debut at the brand’s gallery in Asnières. Adapted to reflect the vibrant spirit of its new locale, the multi-room exhibition showcases specially-designed spaces by LA natives including the Brooklyn Balloon Company’s Robert Moy as well as Frank Gehry.

With Louis Vuitton’s original 1850s-era trunk as a ‘blank canvas,’ 200 extraordinary transformations are displayed. Other familiar designers who participated in the exhibition include Supreme, Peter Marino, LEGO, Alex Israel, Nigo and Fornasetti.

200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries: The Exhibition will be on view at 468 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills from July 29th through September 6th, 2022 — reserve a visit free of charge here.

200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries: The Exhibition | image courtesy Louis Vuitton

inside the rodeo drive exhibition space

Louis Vuitton’s ‘200 Trunks 200 Visionaries: The Exhibition’ occupies a building whose large windows are wrapped in vibrant stripes. Once inside, visitors encounter a ‘Robot’ configuration of trunks before arriving to the ‘Briefing Room’ where a trunk paneled in digital screens — the ‘Magic Box’ — bridges the past and future of the nearly 200 year-old Maison.

The first of two main spaces appears as a warehouse-inspired setting. In a staggered yet vaguely sculptural arrangement, the original trunks are juxtaposed with additional screen-paneled Magic Boxes, each stacked atop the crates that have been used for transport from France and boast an accumulation of shipping labels.

outside the exhibition on Rodeo Drive | image courtesy Louis Vuitton

louis vuitton reimagined by 200 visionaries

An immersive room by Brooklyn Balloon Company’s Robert Moy surrounds the artist’s colorful epoxy and painted balloon trunk with even more balloons. After ascending a set of striped stairs complemented by 2D artworks, visitors arrive at the ‘Dreamscape,’ where the remaining trunks are displayed within a vivid scenography.

A second installation spotlights the design of Frank Gehry. Back on the main level, visitors will pass through an audio speakeasy that highlights the functioning 200-track jukebox trunk designed by British DJ and producer, Benji B. The circuit includes two spaces to continue the visit: an upper terrace with seating, and at the end, a lifestyle area that presents video interviews and a selection of books.

exhibition view | image courtesy Louis Vuitton

all trunks to be auctioned at sotheby’s for charity

Faye McLeod, Louis Vuitton’s Visual Image Director, comments: ‘This project has always been about creativity — a real tribute to Louis’s ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit. We get to see how such a cross-section of talents answered the same brief while also taking a moment to appreciate the man himself.’

The wider LV200 project remains a fully philanthropic undertaking, an enduring gift on a grand scale. The first phase in France raised two million euros from the visionaries who directed 100 percent of their fees to one of fifteen charitable organizations across thirteen countries, selected for their focus on uplifting young people through their creative endeavors. Details of the second phase are to be announced soon. Ultimately, both phases of LV200 will support young and talented creatives as they continue their learning journey and careers.

exhibition view, upper level | image courtesy Louis Vuitton
exhibition view, upper level | image courtesy Louis Vuitton