Louis Vuitton Side Trunk Bag
The Side Trunk bag masterfully draws inspiration from Louis Vuitton’s trunk-making heritage, featuring Monogram canvas with leather trim and other archival design elements. The leather zipper creatively connects to the iconic S-lock clasp, while metal corner protectors complete the distinctive look. Its soft silhouette significantly reduces weight while increasing interior capacity for effortless style.
Design Inspiration
The Side Trunk bag is a contemporary interpretation of Louis Vuitton’s archival trunks. First unveiled during the 2023 Cruise Collection, it combines design elements like Monogram coated canvas, metal corner protectors, and leather trim, with soft materials reimagining the classic trunk silhouette for a perfect balance of heritage and modernity.
Louis Vuitton introduced the world’s first flat-top trunk in 1858, using lightweight, waterproof canvas as exterior and poplar wood framing, making it lighter and easier to stack than traditional dome-shaped trunks, quickly becoming a traveler favorite.
Right: LV flat-top trunk (Elizabeth Taylor’s custom trunk)
Trunks not only represent Louis Vuitton’s most exquisite craftsmanship but also inspire contemporary designs – from the Petite Malle introduced in Fall/Winter 2014 to the Soft Trunk from Spring/Summer 2019, each reinterpretation expands the modern Trunk family.
Trunk
Petite Malle
Soft Trunk
Side Trunk
Trunk Elements
The Side Trunk bag blends archival trunk-making traditions with contemporary aesthetics – the iconic S-lock clasp creatively connects with the leather zipper pull, drawing attention to one side of the bag. This asymmetrical design adds playful charm and explains the “Side” in its name.
The S-lock metal clasp is a simplified version of the classic “Tumbler lock,” preserving the trunk-opening ritual while being easier to operate – just push the round button toward the center until you hear a click, and the triangular metal piece pops open.
The metal corner protectors and leather trim that reinforce the trunk structure give the bag its defined shape while serving as striking decorative elements. The calfskin trim features neatly embossed LV logos secured with metal rivets, staying true to traditional trunk-making techniques.
Monogram Canvas
The bag features lightweight, waterproof coated canvas – Louis Vuitton’s most iconic and recognizable Monogram coated canvas was originally developed as a protective covering for wooden trunks, prized for its durability, lightweight properties, and excellent water resistance.
The Monogram pattern dates back to 1896, inspired by Japanese “mon” designs from the Victorian era, combining the LV initials with quatrefoil flowers. What began as an anti-counterfeiting measure has evolved into the brand’s unique DNA.
How To Wear It
The bag’s wide handle and leather shoulder strap are both detachable, with the long strap being adjustable for multiple carrying options including hand-held, shoulder, or crossbody styles.
What Fits Inside
The bag features an S-lock clasp with side zipper closure, lined with microfiber material to protect contents from scratches, and a leather logo tag on the back panel.
The soft construction gives the Side Trunk excellent storage capacity. We’ve packed it with an iPhone, notebook, wallet, compact mirror, lipstick, perfume, tissues, and AirPods – the zipper closes smoothly without affecting its silhouette.
