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THE « MALLES HAUTES »
THE « MALLES HAUTES » of Louis Vuitton
The Louis Vuitton trunks (or intermediate size) were mainly used for long trips. Often stored in the hold, these models represented a significant volume for travelers. The customer's main clothes and accessories were stored in the cabin trunk, while larger garments were stored in these larger models.
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THE ORIGIN
Today, we find Louis Vuitton high trunks, covered with checkerboard, striped, vuittonite, monogrammed, etc. All exterior coverings were available for these models, as long as an adaptation for this large volume was possible. For example, the high trunks could not be entirely covered with natural leather, as this would require much too large skins.
These models were always equipped with a protective leather strap, with handles and a recessed frame. Station labels were often affixed to these pieces of luggage, which were long considered more as transport trunks than luxury trunks.
From the 1910s on, travel began to become more popular, with less and less expensive means of transportation. Ships and trains had to carry more passengers and more luggage to ever more distant destinations. This is why excess luggage costs soon became a problem and high trunks were becoming too bulky.
Only very wealthy customers could afford to organize a trip with this type of trunk, without worrying about complications or excess luggage.
THE INTERIOR OF A LOUIS VUITTON « MALLE HAUTE »
The interior of a Louis Vuitton trunk is always padded, to protect the contents of the luggage and to allow customers to attach pins or family photos. As soon as the trunk is opened, the customer is immediately immersed in its universe.
These very large trunks were mainly intended for women. The men travelled mainly with mail trunks. So we generally find inside this type of models, specific arrangements to carry long dresses, or all the necessities of a woman of that time. Fully taped cages for hats or a series of three frames often complete these trunks.
THE FEAR OF THE MAIDS
The fourth frame in the bottom of the trunk was particularly feared by the cleaning ladies of the time because they were often victims of its depth, and fell into the bottom of the trunk while catching its contents. This particularly heavy luggage was recommended for long stays and staff was needed to transport it.
