CREATIVITY REIGNS IN STEVEN WALBROEHL’S DIVERSE ASSEMBLAGE OF LIMITED-EDITION BAGS, LUGGAGE, SKATEBOARDS, AND ONE INNOVATIVE, NFT-EQUIPPED TRUNK
By Barbara Tunick | September 16, 2025
When Steven Walbroehl bought his first Louis Vuitton duffel bag seven or eight years ago, he had no idea that he would quickly amass a collection of some of the rarest and most sought-after pieces ever created. “It actually happened a little by accident,” says the 42-year-old entrepreneur. “I travel a lot and just needed a good bag. But after I bought the duffel, I bought a few more pieces. Before I knew it, I became Louis Vuitton’s No. 1 client in Miami.”
Walbroehl credits Louis Vuitton’s quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail for his brand loyalty, but he was also drawn to the French luxury house because of its origins as a trunk maker, an attitude that is still imbued in the travel-conscious spirit of the brand. “I guess you could say that I’m a selfish collector,” he says. “Some people collect what’s trending. Others collect as investments and never actually use or get to enjoy what they buy. I collect what speaks to me, what I love. I don’t like following others. I like being the trendsetter.”
A sampling of the pieces in Steven Walbroehl’s covetable Louis Vuitton collection, a portion of which will be available in Heritage’s October 9 Luxury Accessories Signature® Auction
And Walbroehl certainly is that. A modern-day Renaissance man, he is a prolific collector who writes, plays, and produces music and is co-founder and chief technology officer of Halborn, a cybersecurity organization. Considered one of the best ethical hackers in the United States, Walbroehl has worked with Fortune 500 companies spanning multiple industries, including financial, insurance, hospitality, and technology. A professional musician who has played the guitar since he was 11 years old, Walbroehl has toured with Bon Jovi, Metallica, Nickelback, and Black Sabbath. And then, after leaving the stage, he became a producer and songwriter for artists such as Britney Spears.
Walbroehl’s true passion – the thread that runs through every aspect of his life – is discovering and embracing creativity. That explains his extensive collections, including first-edition books, rare comics, the largest known collection of Marvel trading card original art and cards, Magic: The Gathering cards, and Louis Vuitton. On October 9, Heritage Auctions will feature selections from Walbroehl’s extensive Louis Vuitton collection in its Luxury Accessories Signature® Auction.
In addition to Louis Vuitton, Walbroehl collects first-edition books, rare comics, Marvel trading card art, and ‘Magic: The Gathering’ cards. (Photo courtesy Steven Walbroehl)
“We are delighted to offer this rare, cohesive collection of runway, travel, sports, and limited-edition pieces,” says Diane D’Amato, Heritage Auctions’ Director of Luxury Accessories, Private Sales & The Boutique. “The collection is as unique as the man behind it. It’s a reflection of his creativity and vision.”
Indeed, many of Walbroehl’s pieces are extremely rare, and some, such as the Silver Mirror Monogram Boîte Skateboard Trunk with Skateboard, are being offered at auction for the first time. “I used to love skateboarding as a kid,” Walbroehl says, “and now I love to collect them. The Silver Mirror is so rare, and it’s insane-looking! I view Louis Vuitton as functional art. They create pieces you can use in everyday life or just as easily hang on the wall. And as a collector, I especially like the extremely rare pieces.”
This Silver Mirror Monogram Boîte Skateboard Trunk with Skateboard is one of the highlights of Walbroehl’s Louis Vuitton collection available at Heritage.
Walbroehl adds that Louis Vuitton’s personalized attention to client service is another plus. “They take the time to get to know you,” he says. “They’ve flown me to Paris twice. I’ve been to dinners and runway shows. But the pinnacle was being invited to the Maison in Paris, where I had coffee with the steward.”
Of all the luxury houses, it makes sense that Walbroehl found a connection to Louis Vuitton. Established in Paris 171 years ago, today Louis Vuitton is the world’s largest luxury brand. While its timeless allure is steeped in history, its growth can be traced back to innovative creative directors and unique contemporary collaborations with artists, musicians, and fashion icons.
This Black Jacquard & Multicolor LED Monogram Light-Up Keepall Bandoulière 50 once accompanied Walbroehl to a Louis Vuitton runway show in Paris.
When it comes to collecting, Walbroehl considers himself “a completionist.” That might be why in 2020 he purchased a sealed pack of Magic: The Gathering cards for $40,000 – 27 years after they were originally created. Inside the pristine pack, Walbroehl found one of the rarest cards ever made: a Black Lotus valued at $3,000,000. “I wanted the full collection, the original set, and it paid off,” he says.
“I’m not the kind of collector that keeps everything in a vault,” Walbroehl adds. “Yes, my home is like a museum, with everything on display, but that doesn’t mean I don’t use anything.” In fact, he frequently carries some of his most cherished pieces. For instance, he took the Black Jacquard & Multicolor LED Monogram Light-Up Keepall Bandoulière 50 to a Louis Vuitton runway show in Paris. “It radiates attention,” he says. “It’s extremely captivating, and while it lights up with color, it’s not in the least bit cheesy or carnival-like. It was the perfect choice to bring to Paris.” His custom Eclipse Monogram Coated Canvas Golf Bag is another example of wearable, usable art. “You can’t help but admire its functionality and style,” he says.
The new owner of this White & Metallic Silver Monogram Coated Canvas VIA Treasure Trunk will receive access to exclusive digital and physical collectibles from Louis Vuitton.
But perhaps the piece that most closely meshes with Walbroehl’s day job as head of a cybersecurity organization is Louis Vuitton’s White & Metallic Silver Monogram Coated Canvas VIA Treasure Trunk, which was originally available only to VIP clients selected for the VIA NFT experience. The owner of the Treasure Trunk is granted exclusive access to the Maison’s digital and physical collectibles, including events and special releases. “After the digital ownership is transferred, the new owner will have access to a score of digital treasures, including opportunities to purchase extremely limited-release items and other very cool things,” Walbroehl says. The Treasure Trunk is the ultimate embodiment of functional art, blending the tradition and craftsmanship of Louis Vuitton’s original travel trunks with today’s digital technology.
“It’s all about the breadth and focus of the collection,” Walbroehl says. “There are so many reasons I collect Louis Vuitton. I love the creativity, the fashion, the function, and the investment. No matter why you collect it, you’ll never regret it.”