LOUIS VUITTON, MID-LATE 19TH CENTURY

Dome top trunks, or rounded trunks as they were also known, were made with a rounded top as they sat on the outside of stage coaches and carriages, the curved top allowing water to run off thus preventing moisture and humidity damage. The curved top, however was impractical as it prevented stacking and the trunks were typically heavy. Louis Vuitton developed a lighter trunk with a waterproof grey canvas allowing for a flat top, however, he continued to offer the curved top as it was often preferred by clients. The grey canvas or Gris Trianon introduced in 1854 was the first of the four canvas coverings used by Louis Vuitton.