Maison Joseph Duclos has introduced Appoloni, the first model of a new collection and the brand’s most significant addition since the Fontélie in 2023. The bag was privately unveiled during Paris Fashion Week, offering a glimpse of a design that bridges heritage and contemporary life.
Appoloni draws inspiration from 18th-century travel, when leather bags began replacing heavy wooden trunks. These early companions were practical and versatile, sometimes serving as cushions during long journeys. Joseph Duclos himself traveled extensively between Lectoure and Versailles, carrying the ambition and mobility that shaped his legacy. The new bag channels this history while adapting to modern needs.
The design reflects this connection. Compact yet generous in volume, Appoloni echoes vintage travel bags while keeping essential possessions close at hand. Its structured silhouette balances function and elegance, proving that a bag can be both practical and meaningful.
The name carries symbolic weight. Appoloni evokes Apollo, the sun god and twin brother of Diane, tying it to the Maison’s Diane collection. Apollo represents light, music, poetry, and art, values that align with Joseph Duclos’ vision of luxe éclairé, or enlightened luxury. The bag embodies radiance, artistry, and a strong link to the brand’s heritage.
Hardware details add depth to the design. Buckles and metalwork draw inspiration from ceremonial bags and court attire of the Louis XV era, adding subtle historical references to a contemporary shape. The bag is available in two leathers: Heritage Grainé, which develops a rich patina over time, and Tempo, designed for resilience and everyday use.
Appoloni measures 9.45″ (L) × 5.12″ (H) × 4.72″ (D) and will be available in December 2025 in limited quantities. Options include Veau Héritage Grainé in Châtaignier with gold hardware (€5,000, 8 pieces), and Veau Tempo in Bleu Occitan (3 pieces), Marron Glacé (8 pieces), Bordeaux (8 pieces), and Khaki (3 pieces), with prices ranging from €4,300 to €4,400.
The launch of Appoloni positions Joseph Duclos as a brand that honors its heritage while responding to modern lifestyles. The bag captures the earliest spirit of travel, carrying forward functionality, elegance, and meaning into today’s world, proving that a timeless design can remain relevant across centuries.
