In a groundbreaking moment of sportsmanship and haute couture, Louis Vuitton introduces its inaugural Malle Vestiaire, a bespoke wardrobe trunk created in collaboration with rugby legend Dan Carter. It is a relationship that dates back to a stint he did living in Paris, which opened his eyes to the world of high-end fashion.
The Louis Vuitton House Ambassador worked with artisans at the Maison’s legendary workshops on this one-of-a-kind bespoke trunk, specially designed and crafted to hold the rugby icon’s precious sports equipment and memorabilia. To design this bespoke piece, Carter worked closely with Louis Vuitton’s meticulous artisans and craftspeople, fashioning a striking piece from the finest wood, covered in the Maison’s iconic black-and-silver Monogram Eclipse canvas and with metal clasps, closures and rivers that pay tribute to historic Louis Vuitton trunks. It was also finished with various painted logos and numbers specific to Carter’s career, including DC10 and 1598 (the record-breaking number of points he scored across his international rugby career).
The interior of the trunk, which is lined with both microfibre and sportswear-inspired fabric, holds a selection of Dan Carter’s most-prized memorabilia from his illustrious playing career: three World Rugby Player of the Year awards; three Rugby World Cup medals; two 100th-test caps, jerseys worn during Rugby World Cups, and even a pair of iconic “retirement” boots. The collection gains an additional dimension with copies of his book, “The Art of Winning,” and a Louis Vuitton rugby ball from his 2019 collaboration with the Maison.
The trunk comprises five drawers, graced with elegant white leather handles, each thoughtfully designed to house these treasures. Another substantial drawer at the base pays homage to Louis Vuitton’s iconic trunks, notably the Secrétaire Linge, featuring a front adorned in woven cotton straps—an elegant nod to tradition, providing a fitting closure to this extraordinary ensemble.
“On the occasion of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, we wanted to create an extra-special object,” says Carter. “This Malle Vestiaire holds all the memorabilia that symbolise the amazing memories I have of playing professional rugby, while also paying tribute to Louis Vuitton’s renowned Art of Travel. I really can’t think of a better way for them to be displayed than in this beautiful trunk.”
The Malle Vestiaire, an exquisite fusion of craftsmanship, sportsmanship, and luxury, is now available for enthusiasts, collectors, and connoisseurs alike on Louis Vuitton’s official website.