National News
SWC Trophy travels in style
2010-06-02 11:29
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Paris - Wherever the World Cup trophy ends up, it will be travelling there in style.
Luxury handbag and luggage maker, Louis Vuitton, has designed and crafted the trophy case for the cup.
The leather case was unveiled on Tuesday along with the replica World Cup which is given to winners. The original cup itself remains the permanent property of FIFA.
British supermodel Naomi Campbell installed the trophy in the luxury case, handing it with gloves as tradition requires only winners of the cup may touch it.
"I think what this cup symbolises to all children all over the world is hopes and dreams of their passion that can come true and the blood, sweat and tears is going to go into this, to kick in balls to get this cup is going to be amazing," Campbell told reporters at the unveiling.
The World Cup trophy was previously transported in an aluminium trunk but FIFA went to Louis Vuitton, and asked for packaging worthy enough to carry this eminent piece of silverware.
The new, more stylish trophy case was hand-crafted over 100 hours at Louis Vuitton's workshop in Asnieres, just outside Paris. In signature Louis Vuitton brown, it features the famous LV monogram and the distinctive locks invented by Georges Vuitton, son of Louis.
The luxury goods house is accustomed to making bespoke items, creating around 450 hand-made pieces to order every year. The case was set to leave for Johannesburg this week.