Louis Vuitton Unveils FIFA World Cup Trophy Trunk, Christie's Sales Hit $4.5B
Louis Vuitton has created a bespoke Trophy Trunk for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to debut during the final carried by LV ambassadors and an unnamed FIFA legend. The trunk features LV monogram canvas, an oversized 'V' symbolizing victory and Vuitton, leather trim, gold-plated brass corners, and an LV x FIFA patch. A limited-edition run of three additional trunks will also be released. Buildner announced winners of the fifth Architect's Chair competition, with entries like 'Helical' using cork and an internal helical interlocking system, and 'Anastasia' made from Emerald Ash Borer-affected ash. The V&A will open 'Punk to Pop' on March 13, 2027, featuring over 300 objects from bands like the Sex Pistols and Joy Division, followed by 'Vivienne Westwood & Jewelry' at V&A Dundee and 'Chintz' on September 18, 2027. Tbilisi approved demolition of Studio Fuksas' unopened Rike Concert Hall, with a deadline of December 25. Christie's auction sales reached $3.5 billion in the first half, up 71% year-on-year, with private sales at $1 billion. Top lots included Jackson Pollock's Number 7A ($181.2M), Constantin Brancusi's Danaïde ($107.6M), and Mark Rothko's No. 15 ($98.4M). Christie's also sold Jim Irsay's pop culture collection for $94.4M.
Key facts
- Louis Vuitton unveiled a bespoke Trophy Trunk for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
- The trunk is wrapped in LV monogram canvas with an oversized 'V' and gold-plated brass corner protectors.
- Louis Vuitton is releasing a limited-edition run of three additional trunks.
- Buildner announced winners of the fifth edition of The Architect's Chair competition.
- Winning entry 'Helical' uses cork and an internal helical interlocking system for height adjustment.
- Winning entry 'Anastasia' uses Emerald Ash Borer-affected ash for sustainability.
- V&A will open 'Punk to Pop' on March 13, 2027, with over 300 objects.
- V&A Dundee will host 'Vivienne Westwood & Jewelry' exhibition.
- V&A will open 'Chintz' on September 18, 2027, tracing four centuries of the fabric.
- Tbilisi approved demolition of Studio Fuksas' unopened Rike Concert Hall.
- Demolition deadline for Rike Concert Hall is December 25.
- Christie's auction sales reached $3.5 billion in first half, up 71% year-on-year.
- Christie's private sales climbed to $1 billion.
- Top lot: Jackson Pollock's Number 7A sold for $181.2 million.
- Constantin Brancusi's Danaïde sold for $107.6 million.
- Mark Rothko's No. 15 sold for $98.4 million.
- Jim Irsay's pop culture collection sold for $94.4 million at Christie's.
Entities
Artists
- Massimiliano Fuksas
- Doriana Fuksas
- Jackson Pollock
- Constantin Brancusi
- Mark Rothko
- Vivienne Westwood
- Kakha Kaladze
- Jim Irsay
Institutions
- Louis Vuitton
- FIFA
- Buildner
- Victoria & Albert Museum
- V&A South Kensington
- V&A Dundee
- Studio Fuksas
- Christie's
- Sotheby's
Locations
- Tbilisi
- Georgia
- South Kensington
- London
- United Kingdom
- Dundee
- Scotland
- Monaco