The days of saying, "The early bird catches the worm," are long gone...
Today, that saying might be, "If you sleep, do it in style." Louis Vuitton is redefining the art of sleeping with two stunning new versions of their legendary bed trunks. Artistic Director of Women’s Collections Nicolas Ghesquière and Creative Director of Men’s Collections Pharrell Williams have teamed up to create modern interpretations of this ingenious 19th-century innovation, giving us yet another reason to sleep peacefully—and perhaps, open our wallets.
Originally launched in 1868, the bed trunk was designed to provide travelers with a comfortable sleeping space during long journeys. Patented in 1885, this invention now enters a new era with a luxurious makeover.
Pharrell Williams has given the Malle Lit bed trunk a fresh and modern look. His version features the classic Monogram canvas exterior and a cleverly designed foldable aluminum and beechwood frame, which easily transforms into a cozy sleeping space. For ultimate comfort, the trunk includes a four-part mattress made with memory foam. Pharrell’s design showcases a distressed effect on the exterior, while the interior is lined with red and white stripes, and the discreet jacquard pillow and mattress are embroidered with the phrase "LV Lovers."
Nicolas Ghesquière brings an equally fascinating take on the piece. Inspired by his previous collections, his version combines engraved metal panels with a mattress adorned with floral motifs, blending the softness of visual elements with the strength of the materials.
Trunks have always been the foundation of Louis Vuitton's heritage. The brand's journey began when 16-year-old Louis Vuitton became an apprentice to master trunk maker Monsieur Maréchal in Paris in 1836. As for the bed trunk, one of the first examples was made for Italian explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza. This pioneering piece was crafted from zinc and copper to be resistant to dust and moisture, and it cleverly concealed a camp bed within.
Moving on to the latest versions: according to Elite Traveler magazine, the Nicolas Ghesquière Bed Trunk ($257,000) will be on display at the Louis Vuitton store in Saint-Germain-des-Prés from September 20 to October 6, while the Pharrell Williams Bed Trunk ($221,000) will be presented at the Savoir Rêver Louis Vuitton event at Hôtel Cheval Blanc in Paris from September 21 to October 4.
These luxurious bed trunks not only redefine the concept of luxury but also ensure that even while traveling, your sleep is stylish, comfortable, and of course, unforgettable.
