FIFA World Cup Trophy to be encased by Louis Vuitton (photo by Getty Images)

Having featured the official FIFA World Cup Rings and Official FIFA World Cup Watches, I am now reporting that the international governing body of association football has appointed French fashion house: LOUIS VUITTON to design a special case for the greatest football prize: FIFA WORLD CUP TROPHY.

Antoine Arnault, Head of Communications for Louis Vuitton, commented:

“We are very proud to have been chosen by FIFA to dedicate our know-how to creating the case for the most beautiful trophy: the FIFA World Cup Trophy. From the legendary bed-trunk developed by Georges and Louis Vuitton in 1868 for the explorers, to the case for the oldest sporting trophy – the America’s Cup – and the special order for the iPod case from a well-known designer, the Maison has always combined clever and elegant ways to satisfy the very specific needs of its clients, allowing them to express their uniqueness or achieve their dream.”

FIFA and Louis Vuitton collaborates in designing case for the authentic World Cup Trophy

Made of 18-carat gold – with height of 36.8 cm and weight of 6.175 kilograms, The FIFA WORLD CUP TROPHY is the most coveted trophy in the world. Since the original prize for winning the World Cup: JULES RIMET TROPHY was stolen and missing in Brazil, 1974, FIFA stated the trophy cannot be won outright: the winners of the tournament receive a replica (FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy) which is gold plated rather than solid gold. The authentic World Cup Trophy remains in FIFA’s possession. When it travels – for the exhibitions around the world or being presented for the winning team at the stadium, it was carried on a battered aluminum case. And from the WORLD CUP TWENTY TEN onward, the authentic trophy, designed by Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga, will be cradled in a custom-made Louis Vuitton trunk.

Being created by Asnières workshop in France – with its savoir faire and experience in producing 450 custom designs each year – the Louis Vuitton travel case will not only carry the trophy in safety but also in style. As FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter explained,

“The FIFA World Cup Trophy is our most precious asset. It’s the most coveted trophy, not only in the world of football but beyond. It succeeds in uniting fans all around the world in a healthy competition for the final prize. A trophy as precious as the FIFA World Cup Trophy deserves a travel case of the same elegance and prestige. From now on, the trophy will not only travel in safety, but it will also travel in style.”

Jérôme Valcke, secretary general of FIFA added,

“When you have the most beautiful girl in the world you hope she will wear the most beautiful dress.”

Well, the special-ordered-trunk will surely be an exquisite one. As Louis Vuitton tradition, the case will have special blend of tradition and innovation, craftsmanship and creativity, history and modernity. The company’s original vocation as a layetier-emballeur – the term used for packers of travelers’ trunks, is thus respected, for LOUIS VUITTON MALLETIER has always created cases to carry its clients’ most treasured belongings.

Since the very beginning of its founding in 1854 on Rue Neuve des Capucines – Paris, the France luxury house has been renowned for its savoir faire and its expertise in the making of trunks and luggage. Louis Vuitton (1821 – February 27, 1892) had an extensive knowledge of luggage and actually began by designing luggage for the rich in Paris, including Congo explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza and American conductor Leopold Stokowski. Monsieur Vuitton had also introduced his flat-bottom trunks with trianon canvas that could easily stack in railway carriages. Becoming successful and prestigious, many other luggage makers began to imitate LV’s innovation.

Today, LV is one of the world’s most recognized brands. A long time symbol of prestige and wealth, the company commands some of the highest prices in the international fashion market for its products.

For the World Cup Campaign, Louis Vuitton has chosen three football legends instead of the current super star such as CR9, Lionel Messi, or Fernando Torres. The advertisement features Zinedine Zidane, Pele and Diego Maradona playing foosball (table football) together. Photographed by Annie Leibovitz, the ad spotlights LV monogram canvas bags.

Louis Vuitton World Cup 2010 campaign featuring  Maradona, Pele, Zidane and LV Monogram Canvas Bag.

Football living as well as current Argentina National Football Team DIEGO MARADONA on the latest Louis Vuitton advertisement for World Cup 2010 campaign

Pele and Zidane on Louis Vuitton World Cup Campaign Ads

“The Match You’ve Been Waiting For” - by Louis Vuitton 2010; feat. Zinedine Zidane, Pele and Diego Maradona

Also as part of the campaign, the new LOUIS VUITTON WORLD CUP TROPHY TRUNK will encase the trophy when brought into the Soccer City Stadium (formerly known as FNB stadium) in Johannesburg – South Africa for the final match on Sunday, 11 July 2010. The trophy cup will be lifted by a Louis Vuitton ambassador in front of one billion television viewers all over the world. 

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