A Treasure Trove of Surprises

Alfies boasts a wide array of specialist vintage and antique shops selling everything from English ceramics, mid-century design and 19th century furniture, to Art Deco glassware, 18th century watercolours, and vintage African textiles. With an ever-changing stock of unusual antiques and vintage collectables, there's always something new to explore. We've selected a few of our favourite new items...

A pair of early 20th century trunk (top one is English, bottom one is French) in light tan with polished brass locks and studs, wooden strapping, leather corners and handles. From Tin Tin Collectables Luggage.

Art Deco Goldschneider wall mask from Mirror Master. 

A selection of original Lea Stein brooches from Paola & Iaia - The Originals. 

A late 19th century steamer trunk with polished cast metal frame, brass lock with key, wooden strapping and leather knuckles by C.A. Taylor of Chicago & New York. The date is seen on the side casting and reads October 23rd 1893. From Tin Tin Collectables Luggage.

A selection of jewellery from Jean Cocteau. From Angry-Agent. 

A selection of Clarice Cliff ceramics from Beth. 

Modernist rug with geometric red and cream pattern from Mirror Master. 

A Minton breakfast cup and saucer (1875), botanical specimen plates by Spode (c1800) from Janes Antiques.

www.alfiesantiques.com

Louis Vuitton Collector's Paradise

As the new Louis Vuitton store opens on Bond Street this week, the brand seeks to emphasise that this is not just a shop but a place to evoke the heritage and legacy of luxury, which Louis Vuitton encompasses.

Maison is designed with the theme 'collector' in mind, "Reflecting Louis Vuitton's art-de-vivre and savoir-faire, conceived as the home of a collector . . . [it] gives visitors opportunities to discover new and exciting experiences." Guardian.co.uk

Louis Vuitton was founded in 1854 by Louis Vuitton Malletier who developed the first flat bottomed trunks with trianon canvas which meant they were lightweight, airtight and could be stacked. This was a huge step forward for the travel industry and many others copied this design. To further protect his brand Louis Vuitton started using the damier canvas pattern (see below) with the unmistakable LV logo to stand out from the imitations starting off what was to become and internationally recognised and successful brand.

Walking through Alfies it is hard not to be taken in by the amount of history surrounding the artifacts and objects on the shelves. There are some very special pieces of luggage that resonate with the golden age of travel when journeys were a little more glamourous, if a bit more time consuming than they are today.

Furniture Lighting and Luggage. From Manley J Black


Louis Vuitton suitcase from the 1920s. From Travers Antiques

Head to the second floor for Tin Tin Collectables' new vintage luggage and travelling accessories shop for some serious collectors items.

Stencilled Noah & the Arc Trunk - Perfect for a Child's Toy Box!


Selection of Antique & Vintage Trunks, all from Tin Tin Collectables.

Antique and vintage luggage can be used in so many ways. Whether they are used for storage or as a sensational statement piece, the true beauty lies in the history, journeys and secret stories they contain.