If you’re the kind of person whose heart just, beats a little faster at the thought of new, exciting, and novel experiences, then get ready to drop anchor in Shanghai and explore a truly unique destination: ‘The Louis’.
“The Louis?” you might ask, a curious eyebrow raised. “Is it connected to that iconic brand, Louis Vuitton?“
And the answer is an absolute yes!
If you’re planning a trip to the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai and looking to sprinkle some extra magic into your itinerary, then you absolutely must add ‘The Louis’ to your list. But what exactly is ‘The Louis’?
Imagine a life-sized cruise ship that has docked not by the sea, but in the heart of the city, shimmering under the Shanghai sky. That’s ‘The Louis’ – a magnificent new Louis Vuitton concept store, sculpted into the intriguing form of a monumental vessel. It’s not just big; it’s huge, a towering landmark that beckons with the promise of adventure and is simply eye-catching to boot. Standing 30 metres high and stretching 114.5 metres long, this monument is more than just a building; it’s a statement, an homage to Louis Vuitton’s storied past of crafting trunks for grand transoceanic voyages, intertwined with Shanghai’s own identity as a bustling port city. Certainly sounds like the perfect place to visit, doesn’t it?
The architecture here is just captivating, a real stroke of genius. Picture a ship’s majestic prow, reaching out to the horizon – but then, surprisingly, it blends seamlessly into classic Louis Vuitton trunks, stacked elegantly right at the very top. And to top it all off, the entire outer body of this grand ship is adorned with that instantly recognisable, iconic Louis Vuitton monogram pattern, almost as if it’s subtly winking at passers-by, inviting them to come explore its depths.
But, of course, the real magic, the true heart of this elaborately designed concept store, lies within. Stepping inside ‘The Louis’ is not just entering a shop; it’s like embarking on an immersive journey, a sensory expedition that combines food, shopping, and even storytelling through a meticulously curated exhibition.
Upon entrance, visitors are immediately enchanted by a visually striking archway, an almost ethereal gateway constructed from Louis Vuitton’s classic monogram canvas trunks. This breathtaking space, aptly named ‘Trunkscape’, sets the stage for the exploration that lies ahead.
Beyond ‘Trunkscape’, you’ll find yourself stepping into a series of different rooms, each one telling its own distinct story and boasting a unique theme. They’re all part of the incredible “Visionary Journeys” Exhibition, brilliantly brought to life by Shohei Shigematsu of OMA.
Unpacking the Chapters of Louis Vuitton’s Legacy
First up on this immersive voyage is ‘Origins’, a space that gently transports you back in time, paying a heartfelt tribute to the early designs of this revered fashion house. This room, beyond being a historical display, sets the tone for the entire experience, honouring the traditions that built LV while simultaneously embracing the spirit of innovation that propels it into the future.
Next, you’ll sail into ‘Voyage‘, a room that highlights the romance of travel. Here, you’ll find an astonishing collection of historical trunks, whimsical bag designs that seem to tell the tales of faraway lands, and customised travel pieces once owned by legendary globetrotters. It’s a powerful showcase of Louis Vuitton’s deep connection to maritime culture and its history of crafting trunks that were companions on grand transoceanic journeys.
Then, there’s the ‘Olfactive Exploration’. This unique room traces Louis Vuitton’s fragrant history, displaying rare perfume bottles from as far back as 1927, alongside exquisite scents crafted by the brand’s in-house perfumer, Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud. It’s a journey for the nose, a delicate dance through time and aroma.
Moving on, ‘Books and Sport’ reveals another fascinating facet of the brand. This space demonstrates how Louis Vuitton acts as a true storyteller, reflecting Gaston-Louis Vuitton’s passion for books and publishing, while also showcasing its role as a companion in the world of high-stakes competition. Here, you’ll see the elegant trophy trunks crafted for prestigious global events like Formula 1 and the Olympics, proving that luxury and athleticism can indeed go hand-in-hand.
‘Fashion & Leathergoods’ offers a captivating walkthrough of the most iconic bags from Louis Vuitton, reimagined and reinterpreted by various visionary creative directors, including the likes of Marc Jacobs, Virgil Abloh, and Pharrell Williams. The brand’s enduring style and impressive adaptability truly shine through this room.
And for the more curious minds, the room called ‘Workshop and Testing’ provides a rare glimpse behind the scenes. Here, visitors can see firsthand how each piece is meticulously crafted, a blend of precision and dedication. In this fascinating space, even the tools have charming names like Louise and Louisette, assisting artisans in ensuring that every item meets the brand’s incredibly rigorous standards for quality.
Once you’ve journeyed through all that history and innovation, make your way up to the top floor. There, you’ll discover a truly charming, trunk-themed café, very fittingly called ‘Le Cafe Louis Vuitton’. But trust us, this isn’t just any café. It’s been designed to feel exactly like the cosy, intimate cabin of a vintage cruise liner. Picture warm wooden surfaces, soft, inviting lighting, and even an outdoor terrace with parasols that creates a serene, seaside vibe. You’ll feel as if you’re gently floating above the city! And the menu? It’s a delightful mix, a unique blend of Shanghai flavours with Western styles, all carefully crafted by chefs Leonardo Zambrino and Zoe Zhou. It’s a truly refined way to dine in such a luxurious setting.
Finally, as your incredible journey through ‘The Louis’ gracefully comes to an end, you’ll find yourself in a rather sophisticated gift shop. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a carefully chosen something – perhaps some exquisite Louis Vuitton leather goods, stylish accessories, a pair of shoes, or even a travel item – allowing you to truly take a piece of this extraordinary experience home with you.
