Whoever said life is more about the journey than the destination never got a chance to shop at Louis Vuitton's new five-story flagship—a luxury pantheon so vast, it resembles one of the label's legendary Neverfull totes made three-dimensional.
The luxury retailer's current largest store in North America is only temporary, while its eventual, and even more spacious, address undergoes renovations across the street. (That building's scaffolding, made to look like a stack of Louis Vuitton steamer trunks, has become a tourist destination in its own right recently.) But for a momentary address, this LV-stamped store feels decidedly permanent.
@marieclairemagazine ♬ som original - Sony Music Portugal
The space, designed by OMA Architects, features a soaring atrium with an installation of even more Louis Vuitton trunks stacked skyward. Across the five stores, shoppers can find a range of ready-to-wear, leather goods, and a custom collection made just for the Fifth Avenue store—the ultimate in luxury souvenirs. The space also hosts Louis Vuitton's first stateside restaurant, joining the ranks of runway menu fixtures like Tiffany and Armani, and a selection of luxury chocolates by Maxime Frédéric. And for the shoppers who also keep close track of Louis Vuitton's comings and goings on the red carpet, the fifth floor's private salons for top clients also include a number of creative director Nicolas Ghesquière's designs on display, including the burgundy leather dress Zendaya recently wore in New York City.
Speaking of celebrities: A-listers have already anointed the space a major destination, at a grand opening party on Nov. 14. Friends of the brand including Ana de Armas and Jennifer Connelly showed out in LV mini dresses, while Cynthia Erivo combined her recent penchant for Wicked green with the volume and tiers of Louis Vuitton's red carpet-wear. Their pieces were more bespoke than what you'll find on the racks—but they set an elevated tone nonetheless.
The store's most postcard-worthy feature, however, isn't the list of potential stars you'll see coming and going from the store. It's the set of installations highlighting past Louis Vuitton collaborations with the likes of Supreme, Takashi Murakami, and Stephen Sprouse. A single bag from each collection holds court in a room painted to reflect the remixed prints and patterns from each collection. Stepping inside, editors told me the felt like they were transported to another world (or maybe just inside their own Instagrams). The entire space, they said, was immersive—and worth the trip.
-
Prince Harry’s Ex, Cressida Bonas, Is Launching a Podcast and Princess Eugenie Is Already Lined Up as a GuestOther famous faces in the podcast's launch announcement video include Kate Winslet, Mary Berry, and Camilla Alves McConaughey.
-
Hailey Bieber Pairs a Celebrity-Beloved Bag With $450 Flip-Flops for Date NightThe model kept it new-parent-casual for her date night with her husband, Justin Bieber.
-
'The Residence' Is a White House-Set Whodunit, But Where Was It Really Filmed?The Shondaland-produced Netflix series pulled off the largest-ever recreation of the Executive Mansion.
-
Kaia Gerber Treats the Cargo Bag Trend and Her Favorite Ballet Flats to a Solo Dinner DateThe model tucked a book into her roomy tote bag for a quiet dinner in Los Angeles.
-
Kendall Jenner Models the Easy Jeans and Ballet Flats Outfit That Will Never Go Out of StyleShe is the blueprint.
-
Katie Holmes Perfects a Paris Street Style Tights Trend With a Tory Burch Runway LookThis look is headed straight to the mood board.
-
Selena Gomez Quick-Changes From a Sultry Vintage Mugler Dress to a Rich-Looking Leather SetShe's doubling down on luxury.
-
Eva Longoria Unexpectedly Styles Her Sparkly Polo Dress With a Pastel Sequin SkirtShe dazzled in a shimmery polo dress and equally luxurious skirt.
-
Katie Holmes Validates the Capri Pant Trend's Comeback in Metallic Mules and a Charm-Coated Micro-BagShe's all-in on the capri pant trend.
-
Selena Gomez Romanticizes the Bomber Jacket Trend in a Sheer Mesh Turtleneck for Date Night With Benny BlancoShe's fallen head over heels for these trending colors, textures, and silhouettes.
-
Katie Holmes Pattern Clashes Like a Pro With a Classic Striped Shirt and Eclectic Checkerboard BagThis styling move is easier to copy than it first appears.
