There’s often a line to get into this cult store, and its restaurant with a view is booked for months.
Welcome to Louis Vuitton’s epic new flagship, the French powerhouse’s largest and most ambitious in North America. The five-story space at 6 E. 57th St. features the brand’s first cafe and chocolate shop in the US, as well as towering installations and an exclusive memorabilia capsule.
Last month’s glittering launch event — attended by Bradley Cooper, Ana de Armas, Nina Dobrev, Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Connelly and Martha Stewart and DJs from Fcukers and Mike D of the Beastie Boys, wearing LV, Bradley Cooper, Ana de Armas, were admired in countless posts on social networks.
Incredibly, the boutique is only temporary. The temporary location will remain open for several years while the Fifth Avenue flagship undergoes a renovation. The facade of that permanent address is currently wrapped in large LV trunks that stop traffic.
The iconic trunks are just as high profile in the new store. Four stacked sculptures made of Courrier Lozine 90 malles are 52 meters high. Created with OMA architect Shohei Shigematsu, they reflect the New York skyline.
A 59-foot wall of mirrored Vuitton bags, both the Keepall and the smaller Speedy, acts as a partition rising to the fifth floor. Murals of designs developed by the house’s associates — Richard Prince, Yayoi Kusama, Supreme, Takashi Murakami and Stephen Sprouse — flank the glossy stage.
The world of Louis Vuitton spans the era. Leather goods and a new travel room with a personalization craft are on the first floor. Women are ranked in second place, while men are in third place.
To mark the opening, a collection of men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, leather goods, accessories and gifts celebrating NYC style is on sale. Hero bags on offer include the Neverfull Inside Out in taxi yellow, the Speedy Soft with yellow lining and whimsical labels, the Manhattan skyscraper-clad Capucines and the GO14 in light shimmer gold.
On the fifth floor, shoppers will find private retail spaces, Objets Nomades and Art de la Table collections. A secret room displays Louis Vuitton High watches and jewelry.
The fourth floor, meanwhile, is dedicated to taste. Le Café Louis Vuitton, with its bookshelves, promotes culture and cuisine. Led by French chefs Arnaud Donckele and Maxime Frédéric, local talents Christophe Bellanca and Mary George run the kitchen. Concept: luxury snacking. The French team will continue to mentor rising culinary stars.
As for Le Chocolat Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton, the renowned chef pâtissier and his Paris atelier are creating signature bars, hazelnut bonbons and edible flights like Vivienne on a Malle. Made entirely of chocolate and operated by a switch, a Monogram flower mascot slowly emerges atop a log.
More proof that Vuitton is sweet on innovation.
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Image Source : nypost.com