Speakers are typically merely a means to an end; a medium for consuming art. But the humble audio device has been reimagined by Louis Vuitton into art itself. Inspired by the French maison’s Toupie (‘Spinning Top’) bag, the device looks rather like a top itself, with sleek, sculptural lines that curve into a pyramidal top and bottom.
And unlike most speakers whose metal bodies are so polished that they border on austere, Louis Vuitton’s version is covered with black perforated leather that helps to soften the matte steel exterior. Embossed all over with the brand’s monogram and floral insignia, the leather binding adds yet another touch of luxury to this objet d’art. The Horizon Light Up Speaker can rest on your coffee table, looking as if it had been deliberately placed there as an interior decor piece.
Powered off, it sits enigmatically dark and silent, but its unusual construction is already a hint that the listening experience will be just as atypical—in the best way possible. The amount of thought the maison has invested into every detail of the design is incredible to behold, for the gadget’s unique shape is as fun as it is functional: when sitting on its dock, the speaker offers a 360-degree sound experience, but placing it on its side allows the user to send the music in a specific direction. This nifty feature is perfect for WFH arrangements where you don’t want to disturb anyone else at home with your music.
Thanks to the gadget’s cutting-edge acoustics, the tune of your choice rings out loud and clear, immediately plunging you into the rhythm and getting your muscles twitching. But before you start jiving out, you want to stay tuned for the accompanying lightshow. To the thumping beat of the music, a top ring studded with rainbow LED lights dances through three different animations, while a steel band circling the widest section of the speaker flashes out the brand’s name in a hypnotising cool blue hue—all set off beautifully by the black leather.
Thanks to the ongoing pandemic, who knows when’s the next time we can hit up a nightclub again? But if you can’t go to the party, then you might as well bring the party to you—and this chic gadget immediately creates a club-like atmosphere at home with its symphony of light and sound.
Even better, you can tote the speaker around by its detachable leather strap, so the party can go wherever you do—perfect for when Phase 2 (HA) ends and things open up again.
The Louis Vuitton Horizon Light Up Speaker is available now in Louis Vuitton boutiques and online.
