As summer fades behind the clouds and sporadic showers that characterise the national weather, thoughts inevitably turn to escaping the gloom and taking a last bask in sunshine before autumn fully descends.
As summer fades behind the clouds and sporadic showers that characterise the national weather, thoughts inevitably turn to escaping the gloom and taking a last bask in sunshine before autumn fully descends. And for all those hellbent on jetting off – whether it be on a business trip, a luxury tour or a spontaneous holiday – Louis Vuitton has provided the ultimate service: The Art of Packing.
Louis Vuitton himself started his career as a trunk maker and packer, so this undervalued art is imbued in the heritage of the brand. For its modern iteration, the design house has provided exquisite guides for each of its iconic suitcases, from the wheeled Pegase and the squashy Keepall to the classic hard lines of the Alzer. Images and instructions guide the precise packer through the correct way to fold a shirt, how to layer possessions so that everything fits and, vitally, how to ensure that nothing needs ironing at journey’s end. Packing is transformed into an artform, and in the interest of becoming adept at the practice, AnOther here lays out the guidelines for filling the double layered Alzer suitcase in style.
1. Place the separate compartment to one side and unstrap the Alzer.
2. In the bottom of the suitcase, opposite the handle, place the heaviest objects: toilet bag, jewellery box, bracelet case, cosmetic pouch etc.
3. Insert the shoes, stuffed with silk paper, pairs separated, with covers on. Fill in the spaces left empty with underwear, stockings, socks and belts rolled up on itself.
4. Cover with the raincoat, open, collar raised. Inside, place the trousers flat with the waist and legs protruding. On top, stack the blouses top to toe and intertwined, collars raised, with alternate buttons done up. Fold down the waist and legs of the trousers, then the sides and sleeves of the raincoat. Pull the straps over. In this way the most delicate items are protected.
5. Put back the separate compartment and unstrap it.
6. Lay the dress down flat, leaving the top in the compartment and the bottom overhanging. Fold the skirt in two across the width, and place on top of the dress. Fold in the bottom of the dress against it.
7. Fill the empty spaces with the cardigan rolled up on itself and the remaining accessories.
8. Cover the top with the shawl, so as to be able to access it quickly, and strap.
9. Close the Alzer and reassure Madam: her luggage is ready.
Find Louis Vuitton's guidelines to The Art of Packing here.
