London launch is in the bag for Moynat

France's richest man and luxury tycoon Bernard Arnault is bringing his new luggage brand to the UK.

Mr Arnault, who controls luxury goods group LVMH and luxury mega-brand Louis Vuitton, will launch Moynat in London in time for Christmas.

The brand, which is owned by Groupe Arnault rather than LVMH, will open at 109-112 Mount Street in Mayfair.

Moynat Malletier, a trunk maker founded in 1849, ceased trading by the 1970s. Mr Arnault bought the name in 2010 and has spent the past three years creating the foundations of a new luxury goods label.

He hired former Hermès bag designer Ramesh Nair and opened a store in Paris at Rue Saint Honoré.

The London store will be its second and sources close to the group believe it plans a handful of other stores in capital cities.