_'The Darjeeling Limited': Luggage by Louis Vuitton

_I must admit to an obsession with the design of the Whitmans' monogrammed luggage set, which was created for the film 'The Darjeeling Limited' by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton and covered with jungle illustrations by Eric Anderson (the filmmaker's brother). Each bag was numbered—I believe there were ten bags—and apparently the design was strictly dictated by Wes Anderson. The luggage fascinated me. What was the significance of the #7 bag being the only piece with a red monogram? Why were the numbers on #9 and #10 given a different treatment and put within shapes?

To travel in classical style across India requires an elegant vehicle and suitable luggage. That thought was clear to the celebrated film director Wes Anderson, when planning the props for his new film ‘The Darjeeling Limited’. Together with Marc Jacobs, the Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton, he studied firm archives and historical luggage to come up with the design for an authentic calf-leather suitcase which plays a role in the action.

The individual items of luggage became uniquely valuable collectibles after the conclusion of the film, and were indeed auctioned – with the proceeds going to the Rawal Mallinathji Foundation (RMF). As well as the luggage set, Marc Jacobs of Louis Vuitton was also responsible for the suits of the three brothers and the memorable blue leather shoes.