Louis Vuitton brings Savoir Rêver exhibition to Vietnam for the first time
Ha Long Bay was chosen with intention, its presence extending beyond symbolism. Within the house's storied tradition of customisation, personal expression has long taken centre stage. Once a practical necessity, custom painting is now a canvas for identity and memory. By transposing this majestic Vietnamese landscape onto a trunk, Louis Vuitton does more than personalise—it elevates the local, telling its story in a global language of craftsmanship.
Read more: La Beauté – Louis Vuitton's new chapter in the world of beauty
Above Louis Vuitton elevates the local, telling its story in a global language of craftsmanship (photo: Louis Vuitton)
Savoir Rêver—The journey of creating dreams from Asnières to Saigon
The title Savoir Rêver translates as 'know how to dream', a sentiment woven throughout the exhibition. In this immersive space, Louis Vuitton encourages visitors to slow down, to connect with designs that speak not only to function but to an entire way of life.
Above Each piece becomes a passage through life's varied moments (photo: Louis Vuitton)
Each piece becomes a passage through life's varied moments: the Babyfoot foosball trunk invites play; the Party Trunk brings sophistication to social gatherings; and the Malle Coiffeuse is a nod to the everyday beauty rituals of women.
Above Each piece reflects Louis Vuitton's flair for freedom, elegance and precision in shaping the modern lifestyle (photo: Louis Vuitton)
The Objets Nomades and Petites Nomades collections, meanwhile, extend the maison's spirit of travel into the realm of contemporary living. From the Bomboca sofa—a whimsical take on Brazilian confections—to the nest-like Cocoon chair and floral Bulbo, each piece reflects Louis Vuitton's flair for freedom, elegance and precision in shaping the modern lifestyle.
Above Louis Vuitton honours heritage while reimagining its narrative (photo: Louis Vuitton)
The inclusion of Ha Long Bay is more than a creative gesture; it signals a deeper understanding of local identity. Here, Louis Vuitton honours heritage while reimagining its narrative. The trunk, once simply a vessel, now becomes a silent chronicler—holding memories, telling stories, and carrying dreams from past to present.
Read more: Cannes Film Festival: Most memorable fashion moments of all time
Above The Savoir Rêver exhibition is open in Ho Chi Minh City until 2 June, welcoming guests by appointment only (photo: Louis Vuitton)
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Tatler Asia
2 days ago
- Tatler Asia
Louis Vuitton brings Savoir Rêver exhibition to Vietnam for the first time
Ha Long Bay was chosen with intention, its presence extending beyond symbolism. Within the house's storied tradition of customisation, personal expression has long taken centre stage. Once a practical necessity, custom painting is now a canvas for identity and memory. By transposing this majestic Vietnamese landscape onto a trunk, Louis Vuitton does more than personalise—it elevates the local, telling its story in a global language of craftsmanship. Read more: La Beauté – Louis Vuitton's new chapter in the world of beauty Above Louis Vuitton elevates the local, telling its story in a global language of craftsmanship (photo: Louis Vuitton) Savoir Rêver—The journey of creating dreams from Asnières to Saigon The title Savoir Rêver translates as 'know how to dream', a sentiment woven throughout the exhibition. In this immersive space, Louis Vuitton encourages visitors to slow down, to connect with designs that speak not only to function but to an entire way of life. Above Each piece becomes a passage through life's varied moments (photo: Louis Vuitton) Each piece becomes a passage through life's varied moments: the Babyfoot foosball trunk invites play; the Party Trunk brings sophistication to social gatherings; and the Malle Coiffeuse is a nod to the everyday beauty rituals of women. Above Each piece reflects Louis Vuitton's flair for freedom, elegance and precision in shaping the modern lifestyle (photo: Louis Vuitton) The Objets Nomades and Petites Nomades collections, meanwhile, extend the maison's spirit of travel into the realm of contemporary living. From the Bomboca sofa—a whimsical take on Brazilian confections—to the nest-like Cocoon chair and floral Bulbo, each piece reflects Louis Vuitton's flair for freedom, elegance and precision in shaping the modern lifestyle. Above Louis Vuitton honours heritage while reimagining its narrative (photo: Louis Vuitton) The inclusion of Ha Long Bay is more than a creative gesture; it signals a deeper understanding of local identity. Here, Louis Vuitton honours heritage while reimagining its narrative. The trunk, once simply a vessel, now becomes a silent chronicler—holding memories, telling stories, and carrying dreams from past to present. Read more: Cannes Film Festival: Most memorable fashion moments of all time Above The Savoir Rêver exhibition is open in Ho Chi Minh City until 2 June, welcoming guests by appointment only (photo: Louis Vuitton)
Tatler Asia
2 days ago
- Tatler Asia
The Shape of Memory: Humberto Campana's Dreamwork with Louis Vuitton
For more than a decade, Humberto Campana's work with Louis Vuitton has drawn on the textures of Brazilian nature and the complexity of his inner world. His latest creations continue that delicate balancing act. In celebration of Louis Vuitton's formidable history of trunk-making, interior design, and artisanal innovation, the Louis Vuitton: Savoir Rêver event, convened at the Riverfront Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, was a compelling showcase of the maison's heritage and craftsmanship. For Brazilian designer Humberto Campana, whose creations were among those exhibited in the Objets Nomades collection of limited-edition furniture and décor collaborations, the showcase marked another meaningful chapter in a career shaped by deep introspection and emotional depth. Above Brazilian designer Humberto Campana: 'All these things that I create are a kind of catharsis.' Visitors to the exhibition were invited into a narrative journey tracing Louis Vuitton's evolution from its beginnings in revolutionary trunk-making to its present-day identity as a purveyor of luxury lifestyle. Archival photographs and original artefacts, such as the iconic flat-top trunk designed for seamless travel by car, train, or ship, set the stage for the immersive experience. A striking highlight was the exclusive pyramid trunk, hand-painted with an evocative depiction of Vietnam's Halong Bay—a poetic tribute to the meeting of French craftsmanship and Vietnamese heritage. Anchoring the contemporary section was the Objets Nomades collection, where visitors could engage with tactile expressions of global design, such as Humberto Campana's Cocoon chair, the plush Bomboca sofa, and the lushly layered Bulbo chair. The tour concluded with a sparkling display of Louis Vuitton's high jewellery creations, featuring patented diamond cuts such as the Star Blossom and Marquise—each piece underscoring the maison's dedication to artistry, innovation, and storytelling. The Estúdio Campana pieces presented at the event stand amongst the most distinctive works to emerge from their long-standing partnership with Louis Vuitton; the works have won broad admiration as masterpieces of innovative form and function. Even in these bright moments of recognition and success, however, Campana remains grounded by a creative impulse that reaches inward as much as outward. 'I deal with a lot of shadow,' says Campana. 'I have a big gap, a dark side in my soul. So I need to bring my best in order to heal. All these things that I create are a kind of catharsis.' Read more: Louis Vuitton brings Savoir Rêver exhibition to Vietnam for the first time It's a thread that stretches back to Campana's earliest memories. Born with the gift of exquisite sensitivity in what he describes as the hyper-macho rural village of Brotas, Humberto and his younger brother Fernando were raised in a strict Italian Catholic household—one not especially attuned to artistic expression. From a young age, the brothers were drawn to a more poetic way of seeing the world. They found joy in the vibrant hues of nature and the dreamlike beauty of cinema at the local theatre. During Sunday mass, while the padre delivered his sermons, they were often mesmerised by the shifting shapes of sunlight and colour cast onto the floor through the stained-glass windows. When free to roam beyond the town, they would delight in discovering botanical wonders, recreating the scenography of the films they loved in the blush of petals and textures of leaves. 'It was an old generation that belongs to the past,' he says. But I'm still dealing with these beginnings. That's the way that I always come back to my childhood—by creating playful pieces that are very colourful, very happy.' Above Bulbo—a chair inspired by blooming tropical flowers, creating a sitting space that is both luxurious and cosy. The Campana Brothers creations on display at Savoir Rêver (perhaps whimsically translated as 'dreamskills') are striking examples of the brothers' work to craft beautiful innovations from the natural inspiration of the Brazilian countryside. The Cocoon hanging chair is an openwork fibreglass shell lined with calfskin, evoking the protective embrace of a butterfly's chrysalis. Suspended like a nest, it invites introspection and serenity, blending organic form with meticulous craftsmanship. The Bulbo chair, unveiled in 2019, resembles a blooming tropical plume flower, its layered petals crafted from Louis Vuitton leather and fabric, offering a luxurious and intimate retreat. Meanwhile, the Bomboca sofa, named after a traditional Brazilian confection, features modular, cloud-like cushions that assemble into a playful yet functional seating arrangement, reflecting the designers' penchant for combining comfort with imaginative design. Together, these pieces exemplify the Campana brothers' ability to transform natural motifs into innovative, dreamlike furniture that harmonises with Louis Vuitton's artistry and travel-inspired design. 'All of our pieces are inspired by nature,' explains Campanas. 'I love nature. I love to plant trees. I love to make drawings about microorganisms; yes, I'm very fascinated by this world.' Above Bomboca, a sofa named after a traditional Brazilian candy, impresses with a playful, imaginative yet functional design approach. Humberto Campana's love for the natural world is part of what attracts him to Asia, a region he associates with the character of grace and gentleness that was absent from his childhood. 'I feel at home here,' he sighs. 'I left the plane and I smelled the smell of Asia. There is a tenderness. A connection with spirituality, all these elements that make me feel relaxed.' This is his third visit to Vietnam; during a previous trip he was captured by a boat ride he took along the Mekong River, where he purchased a traditional folding bamboo chair to commemorate the experience. The piece reminded him of his own work with natural fibres back home. 'I think I am much more like an alchemist,' Campana explains. 'I love to transform things. Two years ago, I worked in India to create a cabinet made out of grass and brass. I also love to work with charcoal. Now I'm creating chairs in bamboo too, piling them, creating a very complicated structure. Our work is not minimalist, it's extremely complex. Like my soul, because I still don't know who I am today. 'More and more I want to focus on this, because natural elements heal you. It's a kind of calm. There is the smell of the wood, there is the colour of the grass. It brings a nice vibe to the ambience.' Read more: Discover the world of Louis Vuitton trunks: Heritage, innovation and the art of living Above The Campana Brothers creations on display at Savoir Rêver (perhaps whimsically translated as 'dreamskills') are striking examples of the brothers' work to craft beautiful innovations from the natural inspiration of the Brazilian countryside This creative momentum, grounded in memory but oriented toward renewal, continues to propel Campana's vision today. At the heart of his practice is a desire to give back to his country, to his community, and to the natural world that has inspired him since childhood. His latest ambitions include establishing a foundation in the Brazilian countryside, where design, environmental education, and poetic beauty converge. 'It's a way to regenerate nature, to create workshops, and to share our journey,' he explains. The foundation will house a small museum celebrating the Campana studio's four-decade legacy, while also offering space for crafts, contemplation, and connection. 'I don't have kids. I'm not married,' he says. 'This is what I leave behind. It's something for my community.' In that gesture, as in so much of his work, Campana moves to resolve the emotional and material threads of his life into a force that heals, uplifts, and inspires. At the same time, Campana was searching for his own sense of self-worth. 'I love the studio. I love my people working with me, and I love creating things that people can use. Maybe it's a way to be seen, to be validated. Because my work goes into people's homes, and I feel welcome. 'I'm a very shy person, I don't have so many friends. I love to be alone. For me, it's wonderful to be in silence, and that's perfect. I need silence in order to create, to deal with my devils.' 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Tatler Asia
23-05-2025
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Legacy 50: 6 museums to visit this April 30
Vietnam Military History Museum Km 6+500 Thang Long Avenue, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi Open since the late autumn of 2024, the new Vietnam Military History Museum is a striking, contemporary project that manages to retain its profound historical resonance. It is a place where the nation's wartime past is preserved through objects, light and architectural space. Situated on Thang Long Avenue, the museum becomes an especially moving destination during the April 30 holiday. More than 150,000 artifacts are housed within—from the legendary MiG-21 fighter jet to the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Determination map—each one offering a vivid glimpse into the nation's defining moments, while also capturing the quiet resilience of life during conflict. A key feature of the museum is its chronological exhibition design, blending directional sound with state-of-the-art interactive installations. The experience draws visitors in, encouraging a quiet, deeply personal engagement with history. In a Hanoi that evolves by the day, this museum stands as a firm spiritual anchor, inviting visitors to reconnect with their heritage and reflect on the enduring cost of independence. Whether you're discovering it for the first time or returning after many April seasons, a morning spent here, bathed in natural light and surrounded by artefacts once carried through war, will leave you contemplative and quietly moved. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts 97A Pho Duc Chinh, District 1, HCMC A journey that doesn't require leaving the city, yet manages to open the heart. Tucked away within an old French villa in the centre of District 1, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is an essential stop for those with an eye for beauty. The creaking wooden staircase, sun-dappled tiled floors and coloured glass windows evoke memories of a bygone Saigon—elegant, expressive and full of artistic grace. Above The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is an essential stop for those with an eye for beauty (Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts) The galleries here guide visitors across the many eras of Vietnamese art—from the days of Indochinese influences to contemporary expressions, from traditional lacquer work to modern installations and video pieces. The paintings hold traces of history, infused with a quiet national pride. They're never overbearing—simple in form, yet stirring in spirit, with a gentle ability to move the viewer. Above Welcome to Vietnam's total victory (Composed: 1975. Author: Tong Ngoc Phong. Material: Lacquer) The museum welcomes visitors this April 30. To walk its halls on a holiday such as this is to find beauty not only in colours and brushwork, but in the cultural weight and memory that art so often carries. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, District 1, HCMC Tucked beside the city's Zoo in a calm, tree-lined enclave, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History offers a quiet retreat—a stillness in the midst of a bustling metropolis. The building itself is a graceful fusion of East and West: curved tiled roofs, wooden pillars, and traditional motifs lend it the charm of a storybook world gently waiting to be explored. Above From stone statues and regal crowns to time-worn woodblocks and delicate ceramics, the museum becomes a gentle stream of memory (Photo: Vietnam National Administration of Tourism) Inside, Vietnam's history unfolds through understated and poignant artefacts—from the ancient Van Lang and Au Lac periods to the later feudal dynasties. From stone statues and regal crowns to time-worn woodblocks and delicate ceramics, the museum becomes a gentle stream of memory, carrying its visitors through layers of time with quiet reverence. To pause here on April 30 is to reflect on the nation's long road—not through loud declarations, but through what has been preserved: fragments of once-great cultures and the imprints of their evolution. A morning meandering through cicada song and soft sunlight, among these artefacts, has a way of stilling the heart; a stillness born of remembrance, of heritage, and of a country that has weathered many storms to reach this moment. Vietnam Fine Arts Museum 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi In Hanoi, few places carry the same artistic gravitas as the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. Home to some of the nation's most treasured works, its stately French colonial façade blends seamlessly with the deep red tiles and bricks, giving it a presence that is both timeworn and unmistakably Vietnamese. On April 30, the museum's resistance art galleries—portraying the strength of soldiers, the majesty of mountains, and the familiar tones of a not-so-distant past—take on a heightened resonance. Through these works, the national spirit reveals itself not through grandeur, but in quiet resilience, and in the human warmth that so often defines our shared stories. Above As one lingers before each canvas, the act of viewing becomes something more. Photo: Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts As one lingers before each canvas, the act of viewing becomes something more—a quiet dialogue with history, conveyed in the hushed, expressive language of painting. Above The underground struggle (Author: Huynh Phuong Dong. Medium: Watercolor, charcoal, pen and ink.) Spend a little longer here, and you'll notice the museum is not only speaking of the past. Woven between historical epochs is the subtle unfolding of Vietnam's modern artistic voice. Emerging talents continue this narrative, seeking their own place in a shifting world. Some works are rooted in folk traditions, others in bold abstraction—together, they speak of an evolving identity, where personal vision meets collective soul in a delicate yet resonant harmony. Ton Duc Thang Museum 5 Ton Duc Thang, Ben Nghe, District 1, HCMC In central District 1, the Ton Duc Thang Museum offers a quiet, poignant retreat—a space that traces the life of a steadfast, humble figure whose loyalty and depth left a lasting mark. The building itself, with its modern and understated design, allows the artefacts within to tell their story without distraction. Above Here, ideals and integrity speak softly—needing no embellishment, only their sincerity to resonate (Photo: Ton Duc Thang Museum) During the April 30 holiday, the museum's rooms dedicated to the resistance war take on a solemn tone, reflecting the spirit of solidarity and complete commitment that defined President Ton Duc Thang. Black-and-white photographs, an indigo worker's shirt, a simple wooden chair—these modest objects bring history to life not through grandeur, but through quiet conviction, mirroring the man himself. As visitors follow this path of memory, it feels as if time folds back. Here, ideals and integrity speak softly—needing no embellishment, only their sincerity to resonate. Read more: Legacy 50: April 30 legacy through the memoirs of diplomat Nguyen Thi Binh Ho Chi Minh City Museum 65 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe, District 1, HCMC Set within an historic French colonial building, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum is a space that exudes time. Its lofty ceilings, grand wooden doors, arched corridors and light-drenched windows create an atmosphere of both elegance and quiet reflection. It feels less like a museum and more like a pause in the city's own timeline—capturing Saigon's transition from its colonial past to the dynamic city it is today. Above Set within an historic French colonial building, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum is a space that exudes time. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Museum Around April 30, the museum's thematic exhibitions come into sharper focus. Displays on resistance movements, urban life in decades past, and the city during its liberation feel more intimate, more immediate. Alongside iconic visuals like vintage Lam cars or old street signs, one finds handwritten letters, worn maps, and objects soaked in memory. To wander through these galleries is to feel Saigon's layered soul. More than just observing its evolution, visitors begin to sense the undercurrent of remembrance—woven into every floorboard, every pane of glass, every fragment of history held within. READ MORE Legacy 50: Saigon - City of 'firsts' Legacy 50: Architects who have 'shaped' Saigon's memories Legacy 50: People's Artist Kim Cuong - A life, a life on stage
