After more than 40 years of silence, Maison Au Départ, one of the most prominent luggage makers of the last century, is making a grand comeback on the international stage. Established in Paris in 1834, the brand was renowned for its excellent trunks and embraced the motto “A beautiful journey begins with us.” Originally situated across from the Gare du Nord, Maison Au Départ became famous not only for its exceptional craftsmanship but also for its screen-printed canvas, which featured an Art Deco-inspired monogram that rivalled esteemed brands like Louis Vuitton, Goyard, and Moynat. In fact, the brand merged with Moynat from 1965 to 1976 before fading into obscurity.
However, in 2011, Moynat was relaunched with the backing of Bernard Arnault’s holding company. Building off this success, Au Départ caught the attention of around twenty Chinese investors in 2016, marking its financial revival.
Fast forward three years, Au Départ has recently opened its showroom on rue Saint Honoré, revealing its first collection for the Spring/Summer 2020 season during Paris Fashion Week. The brand’s objective is to revive its classic signature pieces: personalized trunks. These trunks, which have been adapted and diversified for various purposes, are expected to resonate not only within the fashion industry but also in the fields of design and interior decoration. Historical players in the industry like Pinel & Pinel have already demonstrated the appeal of trunks in these realms. In addition to custom creations, Au Départ also offers complete collections that cater to the modern traveler’s needs, or as CEO Gianfranco Maccarron describes them, “movers.”
To celebrate its remarkable comeback, the iconic monogram of Au Départ has undergone a modern transformation. The monogram has been enhanced with a reflective effect achieved by incorporating silver threads into the canvas. This gives the dimensional print a unique texture and adds an element of novelty and excitement to the brand’s journey forward.
Useful links:
1. Au Départ Official Website
2. Pinel & Pinel Official Website
