Unlocking the secrets of the iconic Louis Vuitton trunk in Asnieres, France, the historic home of the Vuitton family

Madeleine, a Louis Vuitton craftsman who has been with the maison for five years, started as an apprentice and has since mastered every stage of the trunk making process. “Asnieres has a very special atmosphere. When we arrive in the morning, it is always a source of pride to be part of this big family and to have been trained by the elders, to continue to train others in this magnificent location and to make exceptional products,” she said.

Another leatherworker Florence made a career switch from being a secretary-accountant after she completed a vocational training course in leatherwork for nine months. “I was lucky enough to join Louis Vuitton. I started by making boxes for watches and jewellery and now I am in the special orders team,” she said.

Over the years, the workshop has made all sorts of custom order trunks ranging from water colour paints, tea sets, Christmas decorations and even a storage for children’s baby teeth as requested by a client.

Said Florence: “Special orders are very addictive as I think it is really interesting to be able to make someone’s wish come true.”