THE ART OF LIVING
Louis Vuitton’s Art of Living Savoir Faire event in Singapore showcases new highlights from the Objets Nomades collection
LOUIS VUITTON’S UNAPPARELLED savoir-faire and heritage was once again on display as its Savoir-Faire event came to Singapore in mid-April. Held at the Former Command House, a historic building in Singapore that was used as the residence of the General Officer Commanding of Malaya during the British colonial period, this second Savoir-Faire event was an exclusive, by-invitation only affair. It also marked the first time that the property was leased to a commercial brand.
Entering the compound and onto the steps of the house, guests are greeted by a staircase with Louis Vuitton’s logo on a white wall. The house was divided into two conservatories and, for this occasion, subsequent rooms were transformed and divided following three distinct themes: leisure, wardrobe and gastronomy.
In this space, the French luxury brand showcased its Art of Living collection and a vast array of luxuries to indulge in, including the Objets Nomades—a collection of exquisite pieces for the home that celebrates the Spirit of Travel and innovation. Since its creation in 2012, Objets Nomades has been inspired by the maison’s travel DNA and notes back to Louis Vuitton’s roots as a trunk-maker. At the same time, it also highlights the brand’s craftmanship and exceptional creativity.
These “experimental objects” from the Objets Nomades pay homage to special orders from the past, taken from the archives of the brand then given a modern touch and spin by contemporary designers. Speaking of which, the list of designers who have worked with Louis Vuitton on this collection include the Campana brothers, Marcel Wanders, Andre Fu, Frank Chou, Raw Edges and Patricia Urquiola.
Seen in the Gastronomy Room, the iconic Aguacate (which is Spanish for avocado) by
Campana Brothers sculpture. The nine different sized, brightly coloured Aguacate are handwoven using Louis Vuitton leather straps. Another highlighted piece by the Campana Brothers is the Bulbo chair.
Moving on, there is the Cosmic Table by Raw Edges, which features a simple and ingenious concept: it is created using just three pieces of interlocking paper covered with thin layers of Louis Vuitton leather.
Beijing-based designer Frank Chou, meanwhile, created the Signature Armchair, inspired by the smooth curves of Arizona’s Antelope Canyon and the terraced rice fields in Yuanyang, China. There is also an outdoor version of the armchair, which is a first for the Objets Nomades collection.
Interestingly, several trunks were revealed in Singapore for the very first time, including the redesigned Vanity Mahjong Trunk that actually made its debut in Singapore and was showcased in the Leisure Room. The compact and sophisticated case opens up to reveal an elegant interior in deep emerald green, while the game tiles are made of Corian and wood.
Another exquisite piece, the Malle Jardin, is inspired by terrariums and was conceived by Louis Vuitton artistic director Nicolas Ghesquière. Designed for both storage and display, the Malle Jardin is the first trunk featuring a clear glass structure instead of wood.
In the Gastronomy Room, the Cocktail Trunk is housed in a multi-coloured Watercolor Monogram canvas. This particular trunk opens up to reveal two shakers along with straws, coasters and a bottle opener—everything you need to make the perfect cocktail. For the gents, especially sneaker enthusiasts, the Sneakers Trunk would make a sublime centrepiece for the dressing room. The same goes for the Malle Horlogere watch trunk or the Malle Coiffeuse aka the Beauty Trunk for the ladies.
Up on the second floor of the Former Command House, there are private viewing rooms for VIP guests and the crème de la crème of the event: the exotic collection. Various new pieces from the
Capucines, Coussin, City Steamer, Petite Malle and Rose Des Vents ranges are showcased here. Of particular note, the Rainbow Capucines BB is inspired by ancestral tainted glass techniques as seen in most European churches. The paint is delicately layered in thin coatings and carefully sponged to achieve a textural but glossy effect.
But the marvellous experience didn’t end there. The front lawn of the house was illuminated by Monogram shaped lights and the outdoor backyard also received a special treatment. A life-sized chess set with a white-and-green checker floor was placed there as an homage to the late Virgil Abloh, in reference to the chessboard theme seen throughout his collections. All in all, the Singapore chapter of Louis Vuitton’s Savoir Faire event becomes another testament to the endless creative possibilities that the maison is able to capture through exceptional craftmanship and design.