An Ernest “Hemingway” Louis Vuitton Trunk to Be Sold
Ernest Hemingway's recollections of being a poor writer in A Moveable Feast hardly allude to the fact that he owned a Louis Vuitton trunk–but he did. In fact, an identical model of the luggage, called “The Hemingway Trunk,” is part of Christie's online sale Legendary Trunks: A European Private Collection, which closes on July 3rd. The luggage is expected to sell for more than $10,000.
Hemingway's trunk features the classic monogrammed pattern and color on the exterior with his initials printed on one side. The interiors have several storage compartments, one drawer, and a standard portable typewriter.
Here's a bit of a fashion history lesson: Louis Vuitton expanded beyond providing luggage for clothing in the early 20th century with the success of the brand's Ideal Trunk. The brand looked towards other activities discerning travelers might partake in, thus the birth of the Library Trunk: a piece of luggage geared towards literary pursuits. The trunk made it easier (and more stylish) to transport books and writing materials. The canvas straps inside the Library Trunk were able to hold roughly seven to ten books, and the drawers were available to store stationery, notebooks, pens, and more. According to the auction house, the trunks became highly popular in the literary community and were owned by other notable writers like Françoise Sagan.
Along with Hemingway's trunk, the collection includes over 100 pieces of Louis Vuitton luggage. Other highlights include a Monogrammed Canvas Wardrobe Desk trunk (estimate: $30,000) from the 1920s or 1930s, and a limited edition Monogram Courier by the late fashion designer Virgil Abloh (estimate: $70,000). The online sale closes on July 3, 2024.
For more information on the sale or to register to bid, please visit christies.com.
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