THE ART OF LEATHER MARQUETRY

At the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts exhibition of Paris, Moyonat’s Red Morocco Trunk captured hearts and opened minds for its innovation in concept and mastery of leather marquetry design. Perhaps surprisingly, the 18th century technique was first seen in woodworking but Moynat reimagined the craft for trunk design.

In the nearly 200 years since, the House has created a unique artisan history of expertly cutting noble leathers and patching slices together like exquisite jigsaws to form creative wonders. It’s both the preservation of the craft and freedom from its conventions that allows for the greatness of the art.

HERITAGE OF EXCELLENCE

Remarkable craftsmanship has been at the foundation of Moynat ever since the House established its 5-floor Montmartre atelier at 15 Rue Coysevox in 1907 in Paris, tasking some 250 skilled specialists for the creation of its time-honored trunks. At the time, one piece necessitated a minimum of 200 hours of intricate handwork to come to fruition.

Just as they were two centuries ago, today’s bags are born in France, and are created by a single artisan who orchestrates all aspects of the leather making process. In fact, it’s this intimate relationship between the traditional creator and the innovative creation that dictates Moynat’s standards of excellence.

HERITAGE OF COLOUR

A pioneer in the automobile adventure, Moynat's long-standing history of specialisation began with custom-made trunks that hugged the contours of its clients' vehicles and colours made to match the cars' bodies.

With its curved bottom that perfectly fit onto the roof of automobiles, the most famous example of this is the Limousine Trunk, patented in 1902. Today, the art of colour-matching remains a tradition for Moynat in rich, warm tones inspired by the House’s prized materials.