For years they’ve been the find of the flea market scourer, the veritable hidden treasure of the Paris’ Les Puces: the antique steamer trunk. From long-established and master malletiers, such as Goyard and Louis Vuitton, to antiquated trunkmakers since lost along with the golden age of travel, the luggage of days gone has become a coveted accoutrement, making the perfect coffee table, bookshelf or television stand.
Of course, with modern incarnations costing upwards of 20,000€ each and their vintage counterparts anywhere from 2,000€ to 10,000€, if their limited supply isn’t a hindrance to home decoration, the price most certainly is. Enter Restoration Hardware with their range of replica vintage steamer trunks.
While purists would argue that an imitation of the original is never a suitable replacement, the aesthetic similarity is immediately apparent. Refreshed for modern-day uses such as secretary desks, shelving and television units, they’re made from aged metal, leather, wood and canvas—just like the original. Not bad if you don’t ever plan on using them on safari, a cruise on the QE2 or a place to store belligerent children.
Published on 4 January 2012 by Agony Uncle