Louis Vuitton launches Gifting collection of toys, trinkets and treats

The French maison has launched a new collection of gifts that span three categories: the joy of decorating, the joy of writing and the joy of gaming.

A handout photo of an ashtray from Louis Vuitton's gifting collection (Courtesy: Louis Vuitton)

Louis Vuitton can be credited with creating one of the first gift registries in the world, with a 1920s catalogue called Le Cadeau ou la Bonne Manière, loosely translated as the gift or art of good manners. The idea was to invite select clients to create gift lists or wish lists in-store, and select the items they wanted to offer, receive or even cherry-pick for themselves. The French maison's eponymous founder was a self-described emballeur de modes, a craftsman who redefined the art of packing: clothing, of course, but also the treasures and mementos, found in said catalogue, which one might carry on one's travels.

In January, Louis Vuitton launched a gifting collection referencing these little pleasures, with 30 objets de vertu across three categories: the joy of decorating, the joy of writing and the joy of gaming. The joy of decorating range seeks to remove the items typically found in a 20th-century Louis Vuitton travel trunk (Empress Eugénie de Montijo was one of its first patrons) and place them around the home. This category includes pocket mirrors and nesting boxes inlaid with leather marquetry; porcelain vide-poche trays illustrating world expeditions; and Plexiglas and leather picture frames embossed with the house's initials.

The joy of writing pays homage to the trunks owned by writer-explorers – Jules Maigret creator Georges Simenon was a huge fan – and the essentials they contained for producing great works. Graphite pencils, monogrammed penholders, leather mouse pads, decorative bookmarks and ceramic valet trays make an appearance here. Also included is a collection of notebooks, in various sizes and colours, which are topstitched with the brand’s iconic epi or taiga leather, or its trademark malletage motif.

The joy of gaming, meanwhile, looks to imbibe the spirit of Gaston Louis Vuitton, the founder’s grandson. An avid traveller and collector, Gaston created his own parlour games and displayed toys in Louis Vuitton boutiques in the 1930s and 1940s, most notably the Pateki, a brain-teaser crafted from a piece of wood. The range blends exquisite craftsmanship with a playful spirit, and takes the form of water-resistant canvas boxes containing sets of dice and decks of cards; tops with colourful leather discs; yo-yos embellished with a monogram flower (pictured); and even a “Louis” teddy bear in leather patchwork.

For now, Dubai is one of only two cities in the world to carry the new collection. The items make for unique presents: prestigious and – with a price tag of Dh550 to Dh2,500 – not overly pricey. And remember, much like the personalised wish lists created by the maison’s favourite clients almost a century ago, the joy of gifting need not be restricted only unto others.

Read this and more stories in Luxury magazine, out with The National on Thursday, February 2.