From Louis Vuitton to Louis XV

There was a time, back before jets started circling the globe, when the romance of travel was delivered via sea voyages and trans-continental train journeys. And doing it well, in a style that brought the comforts of home along for the ride, meant travelers needed quality high-end luggage they could truly depend on. Sturdy, hand-crafted designs that could stand the rigors of being dragged over long distances for extended periods of time.

On Friday, January 13, Skinner offers bidders a chance to do some luggage time travel when they stage Session II of their January European Furniture & Decorative Arts sale. Nestled in amongst 394 expertly curated lots on offer is a stunning range of vintage luggage sure to catch the eye of anyone with even the smallest travel bug.

Talk of high-end luggage always begins with Louis Vuitton. Lewis Vuitton founded the company back in 1854, setting up shop in Paris on fashionable Rue Neuve des Capucines. Inspired by HJ Cave’s Osilite trunk that allowed for easy stacking, Vuitton introduced his flat-bottom trunks with trianon canvas, making them airtight and lightweight. Lot 542 - an upright wardrobe trunk, is the perfect fit for any slow boat or train ride.

Goyard was founded a year before Louis Vuitton, meaning the two Parisian firms have been going at it for over 160 years. Lot 673 - an early 20th century Goyard suitcase comes with a chevron canvas exterior, centralized white and black striped trim, and is monogrammed "A.F.G."

As other luggage makers began imitating his style and designs, Vuitton changed the Trianon design to his signature look in 1876. A legend was born. Lot 377 - a Louis Vuitton steamer trunk, possesses a world weary elegance that only years of good service can bring. Oh the stories it could tell...

For something a little more compact try Lot 544 - a Louis Vuitton miniature cube case. Dating to the early 20th century, the case is leather and brass bound and covered in "LV" monogrammed canvas. Ideal for that long weekend away at your new best friends sprawling country estate...right?

Another great piece in the sale by Goyard is selling as Lot 675 - a beautifully crafted standup wardrobe trunk. Leather-trimmed and brass-bound with a chevron canvas exterior and a "M.G. NEW YORK" monogram, it could be just the thing next time you and your crew decide to take that much-needed Caribbean cruise.

Beyond luggage, the sale will feature an expansive selection of European fine and decorative arts of the 16th through early 20th centuries including furniture, sculpture, glassware and porcelain. Lot 389 - a Louis XV-style Kingwood and Ormolu-mounted Bureau de Plat, is sure to be one of the days real highlights.

Session II of Skinners January European Furniture & Decorative Arts auction is set down for Friday, January 13 and contains over 390 expertly curated lots. Look now at the full catalog.