The Trunks Company, Jaipur
A New Era of Trunks
When talking about traveling trunks, the first thing that comes to mind is the classic Louis Vuitton iteration. Although a staple for the jet set and aristocracies around the globe since they were first introduced in the late 17th Century, the Vuitton trunk has become monotonous and expected. Trunks Company, Jaipur’s bespoke designs are the solution to this high-class problem.
Brothers Paritosh and Priyank Mehta, the founders of Trunks Company, Jaipur, have traveled far and wide with the intention of bringing the art of trunk making into the modern era. Founded in 2011, Trunks Company has been catering to collectors, art aficionados and, yes, travelers, but their goal is to transcend the original purpose of the traveling trunk. The talented duo want to create treasured keepsakes and captivating classics. Imbuing new life into a relic of the past few centuries, with some of their products spotlighting the ancient art of tea and coffee brewing and traditional board games. “Our trunks are infused with modern living,” Priyank said.
A Storied Past
The usage of trunks has undergone major transformations since their inception – from being used as caskets, then as storage and ultimately as luggage in the form of Steamer Trunks. “During the early 18th century, as global travel became more accessible and popular, the steamer trunk became widely used in long sea voyages. In the 19th century, trunks were made of metal or wood. They were also used in vintage cars during the early 20th century when cars were able to make extended journeys. They embody a bygone era of travel,” Paritosh explained. However, since the invention of the modern suitcase, traveling trunks have become an antiquity and used as mere decorations, with many collecting dust in forgotten attics. “These timeless masterpieces are meant to captivate and inspire, bridging the gap between the past and present, and effortlessly complementing modern lifestyles with a touch of nostalgia and elegance.”
Bespoke Creations
The items in their repertoire are varied: ranging from watch and jewelry storage, fully portable bar trunks, Polo gear carriers and tea and coffee trunks. None of their products are the same, each being handmade for their discerning customers. “We can only handcraft a limited number of trunks each year, all of which are truly unique. No two creations are identical,” Priyank said. Their design process is complex, with each of their products consciously crafted over hundreds of hours, but it all begins with a simple sketch. After the sketch is finalized, they start the intricate task of analyzing materials, textures, colors and forms and blending in the highest quality of leather, wood and metal. These materials are then finished with an unconventional method of hand painting. This process includes creating their own dyes, pigments and oils, and manually painting each piece of leather. Some of the unique colors they offer are Midnight Sea, Turquoise Tides, and Amber Cloud. “Creative thinking is our DNA,” Paritosh said. “Our trunks are produced through an evolution of rejections and trials. To make something as exquisite as our creations, purely out of our depths of imagination, is an art within itself.”
The Turban Trunk
The company pays homage to India with all the products they create. However, one stands out among the rest. One of their most prized pieces is called “The Turban Trunk,” which attempts, and
succeeds, at showing how something as simple as a turban, a customary head scarf symbolic of Indian culture, can be considered an art form. They have also been commissioned by some of India’s most prized landmarks, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, to commemorate the landmark’s 111th anniversary, and the Rambagh Palace. In 2018, they also designed the GQ Style Award trophy, which was an hourglass encased in a miniature version of their trunks. The award, named “A Timeless Trove,” was made to symbolize the recipients who have crossed the boundaries of age and trends.
Rare Trunks
Although each of their trunks are handmade and one of a kind, Trunks Company also offers, by invitation only, Rare Trunks. Once every few years the company offers a complete collaboration with their artisans and designers to create custom made products. Some of their past Rare Trunks include “The Melody Library Trunk,” which includes built-in speakers, and “The Watch & Jewelry Safe Trunk,” allowing for their customers to secure their most valuable possessions in their home or during their travels.
Steeped In Indian Culture & Looking Forward
The brother’s mission is far from complete. Their hope is to SHARE the craft of trunk making on a global scale. “Our vision is to share our story with the world beyond India, expanding our community and playing a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of art and culture.” The Trunks Company will show their latest collection at The Salon Art + Design Fair, opening November 9th at the Park Avenue Armory.
