Louis Vuitton Unveils Maison's First Aluminum Suitcase: the Horizon Aluminum

When Louis Vuitton announced its first collaboration with Marc Newson over ten years ago, he was already the most renowned industrial designer of his generation. His work spans from furniture to aircraft, and his futuristic aluminum 'Lockheed Lounge' chair has repeatedly fetched astonishing prices at auction. In 2014, he created an organic-shaped backpack for Louis Vuitton as a limited edition celebrating the Monogram. Since 2016, he has also designed special glass bottles for the maison's fragrances.

However, another grand project blending heritage and creativity was underway behind the scenes: conceiving a suitcase that would be as reliable and innovative for 21st-century travelers as trunks were for people in founder Louis' time.

In 2016, the 'Horizon Suitcase' was launched. With its stripped-down, simple form, the suitcase was inspired by Marc Newson's own rich travel experiences, embodying the boldness, refined form, and innovative use of materials characteristic of his work.

Over the past decade, the 'Horizon' has established itself as an iconic Louis Vuitton item. It is available in canvas and leather and can be personalized with the maison's seasonal collection colors and motifs.

2026: Launch of the 'Horizon Aluminum Suitcase'

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the 'Horizon Suitcase', Louis Vuitton is opening a new chapter with the 'Horizon Aluminum Suitcase', the maison's first aluminum suitcase.

Aluminum, known for its durability and infinite recyclability, perfectly embodies the essence of Louis Vuitton travel and Marc Newson's creative vision. Furthermore, aluminum is a signature material for the designer and also connects to the maison's history of designing aluminum trunks for explorers at the end of the 19th century.

This fusion of heritage and innovation has given birth to a new generation of suitcases designed for the modern traveler.

As is often said in design, the simpler and more smoothly beautiful something appears, the more complex its design tends to be. This is precisely the case with the 'Horizon Aluminum Suitcase', a complex specification based on durability and a refined form.

The solution Marc Newson found lay precisely in the nature of aluminum and the heritage of Louis Vuitton.

The shell of the suitcase is manufactured through a process of pressing and laser cutting. This pressing allows the aluminum sheet to be formed while maintaining the 'Horizon's' characteristic rounded curves.

In the final stage of pressing, the aluminum is embossed to increase the structural strength of the suitcase. Replacing the grooves commonly seen on this type of suitcase with an embossed Monogram pattern was one of the technical challenges. Thus, the 'Monogram' becomes not just a distinctive design but a key structural element of the suitcase.

True to his minimalist aesthetic, Marc Newson devised ways to make mechanical parts like screws and hinges inconspicuous so as not to detract from the 'Horizon's' refined form.

To preserve the purity of the design, replacing traditional screw fastening with an ultra-thin frame system attached to the shell was a technical feat. This shell, made from a single 3D mold without bending or screwing, is a first in luggage design.

Market's First Screwless Aluminum Suitcase

Traditional external hinges have been replaced with innovative hidden hinges. Like the construction of an elegant watch, this new type of hinge is integrated inside the suitcase without taking up extra space.

Designed to withstand any challenge in any travel environment, the 'Horizon Aluminum Suitcase' offers excellent impact resistance while allowing dents and scratches acquired during travel to be cherished as memories.

Another outstanding feature is the design optimized to maximize internal capacity, providing ample space for essentials and belongings. By placing the trolley system on the outside of the suitcase and thermoforming the internal lining, a completely flat main compartment is created, achieving storage capacity unparalleled by other products on the market. The main compartment is equipped with two compression straps, and the upper compartment also features a zippered pocket.

The innovative wide telescopic handle is easy to grip and offers excellent maneuverability. Large wheels made of flexible material absorb shock and vibration, ensuring smooth and quiet rolling. A high handle and leather-covered side handles make hand-carrying easy.

The corners and handles are adorned with natural, sophisticated Vachetta leather or black leather, a signature feature of Louis Vuitton.

Security is at the core of the design. In addition to the highly durable shell and frame, it is equipped with a TSA-approved lock for smooth unlocking during security inspections.

A protective cover with openings for the wheels, top handle, and trolley system protects the suitcase during storage while allowing for discreet movement.

The innovative leather luggage tag also functions as a bag hook to secure another bag on top of the suitcase.

The 'Vanity Case', launched alongside the suitcase, shares similar aesthetic and technical design elements. It features an aluminum body with an embossed Monogram pattern, a screwless design, an ultra-thin frame, hidden hinges, a very slim TSA combination lock, and Vachetta or black leather trim.

The functional interior includes one patch pocket on the bottom, two small patch pockets on the front, and a central divider with a zippered pocket. The central divider can be completely removed via snap buttons to create a single, more spacious storage area. Furthermore, the back of the 'Vanity Case' features an elastic strap to securely attach it to the suitcase handle.

Care & Repair

Designed to withstand the test of time, the 'Horizon Aluminum Suitcase' incorporates innovative technologies that make maintenance and repair easier. The lining is available in stores.