PARIS — Armored metal cases are so 2006. This summer, the World Cup trophy will be traveling in style. French fashion and handbags house Louis Vuitton, with help from supermodel Naomi Campbell, on Tuesday unveiled an elegant leather case that it produced to carry the trophy to South Africa.
From the tournament’s beginning in 1930, the World Cup trophy has always been transported in an armored metal case — largely for reasons of security. But as Louis Vuitton spokesman Antoine Arnault told The Associated Press, “There was no reason why security couldn’t be synonymous with elegance.”
The Cup is also a fashion showcase for many of Europe’s top designers. The English team will wear Marks & Spencer, while the Italians will be wearing Dolce & Gabbana close- fitting suits.
But the case is getting the biggest makeover. It features gold-colored clasps and the famed LV logo theme. The fashion house also has a contract to make another for the 2014 World Cup.
“A trophy as precious as the FIFA World Cup trophy deserves a travel case of the same elegance and prestige,” FIFA president Sepp Blatter said. “The trophy will not only travel in safety, but it will also travel in style.”
