SPEAKING TO ROBERT CARSEN
Having worked with countless productions— from opera to theatre and art exhibitions— to create breathtaking visuals, it was not difficult for Robert Carsen to present the exhibits in all its glory while staying true to the brand. “I must say my experience was greatly enriched. The greatest pleasure is to see it open to public and see their reactions. It’s similar to theatre, which doesn’t exist without its audience.” For the Japanese audience, the special room that pays homage to the land was a huge responsibility. The minimalist space had enormous amount of thought go into its creation. “Dealing with a completely different culture, design rules, etc, I took my time with this room. The Japanese have a mysterious, magical and intuitive understanding of the opposites. I just think it’s one of the most beautiful aspects of their design and culture.” Carsen hopes his design translates into an emotional experience, just like it did for him. He wants visitors to be transported into the different eras and feel a stirring in their heart when they look at the brand’s first few trunks or even Elizabeth Taylor’s belongings. “When I look at the client files with all the big names written on it, I felt so connected with the brand’s past,” he explained before dashing off to say hello to his contemporaries at the exhibition’s opening night. Timeless, nostalgic and beautiful, Volez, Voguez, Voyagez tells a beautiful story of a brand that has moved along with the times and stood the test of it. The child in me finally understood what it takes to make all the beautiful and precious Louis Vuitton bags and trunks. The exhibition is being held in Kioicho, Tokyo where Louis Vuitton opened its first store in Japan in 1978. Download the LV Tokyo Expo and Louis Vuitton City Guide for Tokyo for free on your mobile till June 19, which is when the exhibition ends.