So far, so close. Louis Vuitton and Rugby together on the occasion of the 2023 World Cup. The French fashion house has in fact created the official trunk of the competition and will keep the iconic Webb Ellis trophy awarded to the winning team. The trunk will be exhibited during the final scheduled for October 28th. It is a real treasure chest, entirely made by Vuitton artisans within the historic ateliers of Asnières, located right on the outskirts of Paris. Designed specifically to house the trophy, the trunk is covered in Vuitton’s now legendary Monogram canvas. One side of this box is decorated with the hand-painted Roman numeral the two front and folding panels, however, have a V painted for “Vittoria” but also “Vuitton” in blue, white and red, colors that are a tribute to the transalpine flag. Vuitton created this jewel as the official partner of the tournament and worked side by side with the organizing committee. “The World Cup is a symbol of excellence and French savoir-faire, the same values shared by a brand like Louis Vuitton,” explained Julien Collette, CEO of the Rugby World Cup 2023. The official tournament trunk represents only the latest chapter of a compelling novel that over the decades has united the Parisian fashion brand and great sport. In fact, the collaborations with the NBA, Davis Cup, Roland Garros, America’s Cup and the Monte Carlo Formula One Grand Prix were also legendary. By Germano D’Acquisto