Monthly Archives: November 2017

The Art of Travel – Louis Vuitton Exhibit NY

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“Volez, Voguez, Voyagez” – Louis Vuitton New York

“Volez, Voguez, Voyagez” – Louis Vuitton
New York Exhibit Oct 27, 2017 through January 7, 2018.

If you happen to be traveling to New York, be sure to reserve your complimentary ducats to this exceptional exhibit. Even if you aren’t a personal fan of the LV Brand, you will be impressed by the story communicated in an amazing archival array of photos, timeworn receipts and personal notes about the House of Vuitton’s clients. Told in ten chapters, the exhibit initially unfolds with a set designed to replicate a subway platform as you begin your Travel Journey. The vast exhibit includes 1700 items filling 16 rooms with trunks, bags, clothing and specialized cases.

The exhibition was beautifully thought out to engage visitors of all ages, which has certainly contributed to the high attendance numbers. Toward the end of the exhibit, there are wall mounted Louis Vuitton logo squares which can be used for selfies. In one section of the automotive journey, the room has a broken line painted down the ‘highway’ floor dead ending at a panoramic vista at the end of the roadway. Completely engaging younger visitors, posing and photographing each other as they ‘walked the roadway’. The experience is masterfully directed as one would direct a film, opera or theatre experience.

“Volez, Voguez, Voyagez “– Louis Vuitton New York

One can reserve a guide or download a special App to start the exhibition by digitally tagging the walls.
- Take photos with filters inspired by each room of Louis Vuitton exhibition.
- Bring Louis Vuitton’s portrait to life with augmented reality.
- Follow an expedition in the middle of the desert with augmented reality.
- Customize a travel trunk with iconic hotel labels.
- Leave a message in graffiti in the digital guest book. Clever and engaging exhibit.

Besides enjoying the visual flair of the story, I was impressed by the creative and inventive business acumen of the founder Louis Vuitton and the subsequent history of the House of Vuitton. Louis Vuitton began his work career as a box maker at age 16, in 1837, he arrived in Paris by foot and started apprenticing for Monsieur Maréchal. At the time, horse-drawn carriages, boats and trains were the main modes of transportation, and baggage was handled roughly. Travelers called upon craftsmen to pack and protect their individual objects, making boxes for the storage and shipment of fine goods was a prestigious enterprise.
Louis Vuitton quickly became a valued craftsman at the Parisian atelier of Monsieur Maréchal. These were the roots of his highly specialized trade; the beginnings of his career in an artisanal industry that called upon skills to custom design boxes and, later, trunks according to clients’ wishes. Louis Vuitton stayed for 17 years before opening his own workshop at 4 Rue Neuve-des-Capucines near the Place Vendome.

His fortunes changed for the better in 1853 when he was appointed as the personal trunk-maker to Empress Eugénie de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III. He was assigned the responsibility of aesthetically packaging her clothes for transportation between the Tuileres Palace, the Château de Saint-Cloud and various seaside resorts. She charged him with “packing the most beautiful clothes in an exquisite way.” De Montijo provided Vuitton with a gateway to other elite and royal clients who provided him with work for the rest of his career.
He excelled in this position and the royal family was very happy with his services. This position also enabled him to attract elite and royal clientele to this day.

In 1858, Vuitton introduced his revolutionary stackable rectangular shaped trunks to a market that only had rounded trunk tops. This demand spurred his expansion into a larger workshop outside of Paris. The canvas sheathing on these trunks made them lighter and more waterproof than leather and the array of drawers and compartments could carry weeks’ worth of fancy ensembles. These trunks have been a centerpiece brand for over a century. It was Georges Vuitton who added the signature LV monogram to the canvas to foil counterfeiters. Louis Vuitton died in 1892, his son Georges inherited the firm. Gaston-Louis Vuitton, his grandson continued the hallmark traditions.

A compelling story unfolds as the House of Vuitton charts and seizes the ever-evolving transportation modes. Following the invention of cars, the House ‘partners’ with automotive makers to design trunks and cases specifically designed to fit the contours of interior and exterior spaces in automobiles.

“Volez, Voguez, Voyagez” – Louis Vuitton New York

In 1924,  André Citroën organized his second African expedition dubbed Croisière noire (Black journey) all the way through Africa from Colomb-Béchar, Algeria to Cape Town, South-Africa. A convoy of 8 half-tracks and 24 men started their journey on 28th of October in 1924 and arrived in Cape Town on 26th of June in 1925, making them the first people to drive across the whole continent of Africa. Citroën commissioned House of Vuitton to build special trunks for the expedition, video and photos reveal an arduous journey, vehicles packed with Louis Vuitton trunks and cases in a particular color and trademarked in natural leather with the durable latches and hard metal corner details protecting the interior goods.

“Volez, Voguez, Voyagez” – Louis Vuitton New York

Innovative flat pack goods were created for yachting; a combination of leather and canvas. Boxes and trunks have been commissioned and built for just about every industry. Besides clothing, custom camera cases, the Roland-Garros’ legendary final tennis trophies are outfitted in special boxes. Traveling libraries, enclosed in a trunk that would insure 6 months of reading material with a typewriter. Required for the bookworm Louis Vuitton for a three to six-month transatlantic voyage. Music cases including a DJ box for vinyl records, a precious leather case for violinist and conductor Pierre Sechiari’s Stradivarius to protect the valuable instrument and bow. The invention of travel by car added to the empire of cases: footrest briefcases, elaborate picnic cases containing custom silver picnic necessities. Early cars were built without roofs, thus a fashionable traveler clutched a flat Morocco leather bag in her arms – most likely holding, a stole and gloves, and possibly a lap robe. It was the prelude to the handbag.

“Volez, Voguez, Voyagez” – Louis Vuitton New York

“Voguez, Volez, Voyagez” exhibition, drew nearly 200,000 visitors at the Grand Palais in Paris, New York is expected to host 400,00 – to 500,000 visitors. In the 19th Century, the largest client base was American and the firm had designated the former American Stock Exchange building as the home for the local visit, waiting until it was available. Peer into the glass cases to understand the branding; the distinct stickers used for the insides of the trunks, the leather-bound notebooks inscribed with client name, a description of the bag or trunk, with the personal key number noted in the event one loses their key. Personal ephemera combined with early examples of travel trunks and cases bring this story to life. From ancient days to current, the trends and collaborations with Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, Frank Gehry and many more are included. Sit on the soft sofas within the ‘train room’ recreating The Orient Express rail car set filled with fashion and hat boxes, with vineyards and other scenery whisking by on video monitors masking as windows. The props include a 70-foot mast and sail that brushes the ceiling of the high-ceilinged stock exchange; a bi-plane bursting through a wall bearing a bounty of travel bags on its wings.

The Art of Travel is an Epic Expedition of 163 years of history, chronicling the story of a young 14 year old boy who left his village by foot and began an apprenticeship in a Parisian box shop. Travel Through Time at this well crafted experiential exhibit.

“Volez, Voguez, Voyagez” – Louis Vuitton New York

“Volez, Voguez, Voyagez”– Louis Vuitton New York

The Art of Travel – highly recommend. “Volez, Voguez, Voyagez” – Louis Vuitton New York

Literally translated as “Fly! Sail! Travel!” the phrase was used in a vintage Louis Vuitton poster- and in a 2014 advertising campaign – encouraging clients to explore, wander and discover the world.

Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/y8xfegzw

Ojai Valley Inn

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As teenagers growing up in Ojai, we lounged and lingered at the swimming pool of the then Ojai Valley Inn and Country Club – Paul Newman was a regular visitor and, in today’s terms, I guess we would be described as ‘stalkers’. However, our parents did have memberships, so we were there many other times, not just when we knew the fiery red convertible VW Beetle with the Porsche engine would roar into town. The Country Club designation has been dropped, but the ambience and charm of the Ojai Valley Inn remain in place. Sometimes a serendipitous visit will change a memory of a place. My Catholic school education and extremely strict parents has shaded my memories of this tiny scenic town that so many travelers cherish. Glossy magazines display the pink skies at sunset, the sought after ‘Pink Moment’, it’s just a sunset, but in Ojai, it’s the ‘Pink Moment’. Ojai is artsy and bohemian, small spiritual communities flock to the Oak tree studded Valley. The Ojai Valley Inn posts the exact time of Sunset, so a guest can look east toward the mountain range to catch a dusky glimpse as the sun drops below the horizon.

Frank Capra used a long view shot of the Ojai Valley to represent the mythical paradise in the classic film Lost Horizon. In 1923, Edward Drummond Libbey, a wealthy Ohio glass manufacturer and philanthropist, commissioned California architect Wallace Neff to build a private Ojai Country Club. The architectural remnants of the original Spanish-colonial-style design are still in evidence; the hotel offers a little over 300 spacious and tastefully decorated rooms, a relaxing spa, four pools and several restaurants. I’ve always loved sitting beneath the massive Oak Tree terrace for lunch or dinner – and actually, it is the perfect station for pink moment viewing! Order your Rye Manhattan and gaze east!

Ojai Valley Inn

The property spreads across a gentle rolling hillside into a deep green valley punctuated by massive Oak trees; the rambling flow of Spanish Revival style buildings resemble a picturesque village of red tile roofs sheltering white stucco walls, typical of what you might view in remote Spanish or Tuscan villages. My favorite suites have a cozy corner adobe like fireplace and a verandah with views of the hillsides. For the ultimate in privacy and luxury, there are two Penthouse Suites. Two bedroom suites offering over 1500 square feet of privacy and endless views from your private terrace. The 1900 square foot Hacienda Penthouse is one of my favorite spaces, it will be completely refurbished this fall, but it is a terrific family gathering space. A collection of suite spaces is nestled into mini-villa clusters with expansive fragrant courtyards, ideal for a group or extended family. Off property, Casa Elar, is a private oasis, resembling a Tuscan Villa it features over 10,000 feet of luxurious living space. Fully staffed and accessible to the resort by golf cart. Private pool and spa, entertainment features inside and out, a fabulous retreat if you crave absolute privacy.

Come to the Ojai Valley Inn to camp out at the pool, play golf, hike, walk, cook – innumerable activities. Visit the stand alone Discover Ojai building, which is akin to the hotel’s own little chamber of commerce. Knowledgeable staff can assist and plan a myriad of activities; pick a postcard outlining leisure, kids, group connections – ropes course, sailing, bee hive building, skeet shooting – honestly, you could fill a week with activities, or merely chill at the pool and read! For guests wanting something a little more creative, the menu also offers Container Gardening and the wonderful Artisans Cottage where one can take a class in Custom Blending creating a personal essential fragrance. I did mention Ojai has always been a community of creatives? Some traditional and some not so much. The activities at the Inn should inspire and entertain all guests.

Ojai Valley Inn

A championship golf course lures many travelers for a week stay. Bikes are available for a trail ride all the way to the beach if you desire. Hardier trail ride, try the strenuous Sulphur Mountain bike ride. The old pool has been replaced with the Indigo Pool, a near Olympic size plunge with ten shady cabanas. Blue skies and a Mediterranean temperate climate almost guarantees a sunny day even in winter. Relaxing under a massive oak, I watched families and couples out on an evening stroll, pacing about the Spanish Moorish courtyards and art installations, one could easily work up an appetite with a scenic tour of the grounds. Visit in spring, the orange blossoms permeate the valley, it’s positively intoxicating. Pixie tangerines are also grown here, look for the scented round tangerine soap in your room. The striking Mediterranean landscaping is a refined blend of citrus, sage, lavender and desert plants.

The oldest Tennis Tournament in the country has been hosted in Ojai for over 117 years. Naturally, the Inn has a cluster of courts with lights, and a pro if you need to brush up your backhand or serve. My mom used to keep me out on these courts in the blistering heat until I would beg to quit just from sheer heat coma! She couldn’t keep score at this point, but she was still fiercely competitive.

Italian Chef Andrea Rodella is passionate about cuisine with market driven ingredients. Do visit the extensive rambling farm garden dotted with fruit trees, herbs and vegetables. The culinary program is driven by the fresh Ojai Valley farm produce, fruit orchards, and the nearby Pacific. Chef de Cuisine of Olivella collaborates with Executive Chef Truman Jones, they create refined, ever-evolving tasting menus that highlight the area’s incredible, local bounty. Garden herbs and vegetables are extensively used at the Inn restaurants, including Olivella.

The Oak, al-fresco restaurant, serves meals under a vine covered pergola beneath an iconic ancient oak tree. This is one of the finest view locations with sweeping vistas of the Topa Topa Mountains and the undulating golf course studded with 200-year-old oak trees.

Indigo Pool Ojai Valley Inn

Spa – I used to pop in here often when I visited my parents, an hour is not enough of an escape! A full-service spa offering mani-pedi, two pools, a fully equipped workout room, spa treatments, and healthy indulgence at the Café. The pedicures are given in zero gravity chairs in an upper suite in a room complete with a fireplace. Ojai has been a spiritual destination since the time of the Chumash and the menu reflects the Ojai energy for mind body and spirit. The spa menu also includes a few mind/body programs – a private fitness assessment and guided two and three-hour hikes. There are also daily complimentary classes – from guided meditation and nature walks to Pilates and Spinning Yoga. The spa is the only one in the country to offer Kuyam—a Moroccan mud treatment and guided meditation.

Ojai Valley with post office tower

Town – Chumash Indians were the early inhabitants of the valley. They called it Ojai, which derives from the Ventureño Chumash word awhaý meaning “moon.” Commonly referred to as The Valley of the Moon. The area became part of the Rancho Ojai Mexican land grant made to Fernando Tico in 1837, and he established a cattle ranch. The town’s arcades resemble a long Spanish walkway with endless white arches and red tile roofs. The stucco and red tiled post office tower is a landmark with a four-story Spanish Bell Tower, built in 1917, it was inspired by the campanile over Christopher Columbus’ tomb in Havana.

Life is slow in the burg; shops are local centric with a mix of contemporary fashion boutiques. Bart’s Books which has been here forever, is an outdoor bookstore with an honor system, desire a book and drop your payment in a slot. Ojai has always been a magnet for artists, poets, musicians, fancy boarding schools, Krishnamurti and other thoughtful thinkers. And yes, I did visit the intriguing Saturday meditation classes, sat on floor cushions and chanted ommm – of course, my parents had no idea we made visits to the Krishnamurti Center for open thought. Strict dogmatic Catholic girl education would never be so liberal! Some have said that Krishnamurti indirectly established the intellectual and social climate of the Ojai Valley after his arrival. An earlier post mentioning the famed Beatrice Wood, internationally known ceramicist from Ojai is here: https://www.gwenbooks.com/2015/01/travel-tribe-soul-food/

Championship Golf at The Ojai Valley Inn

The Ojai Valley Inn combines casual elegance with impeccable service and is a draw to many return guests. Kate, one of my dearest clients advised: visit Ojai with the mind set of a visitor, not a former resident. Leave out the personal history and arrive with an open mind, she a font of wisdom! Approaching my visit as I would to a foreign city, I marveled at the views, the extreme quiet of a town sans overhead jets and the clamor of a big city. The remoteness also provides inky black skies dotted with diamond drop brilliant stars.  Attitude adjustment – worked miracles.

Highly recommend an escape to the Ojai Valley Inn. Do note summer has intense heat – at a minimum over 100 degree daytime temperatures. Spring and fall are lovely if you are allergic to heat, as I am!

Evening view Ojai Valley Inn under the magnificent 200 year old Oak

Ojai Valley Inn and the Topa Topa Mountains