Wow. A year in the making and every square inch of the new Louis Vuitton 'Maison' on New Bond Street has been bejeweled, bedecked and bedazzled with the world's finest materials. Leather walls, silk paper dressing rooms, every precious stone or exotic wood has been used somewhere in this new cathedral to luxury. The second 'Maison' in Europe, after Paris, the new London store has raised the retail bar on Bond Street. The store is vast and while being very Vuitton in places there are alcoves and corners to shop in quiet comfort. This is shop as destination. Fashionable pieces from the LVMH art collection are stationed around the building;Hirst, Murakami, Prince, and there is also an art library.
The men's area or 'Universe' is in the basement. It feels like a beautiful hotel with amazing things dotted about, a very clean Gilbert & George beckons you further into the ready-to-wear area. The changing rooms are always the deal-sealer of any new store, and these didn't disappoint.
The area I really wanted to see was the invite-only, private client area on the top floor. Labelled 'The Apartment', it really was. Buzzed up in a private lift, a Basquiat greets you from the elevator into what can only be described as a relaxing mid-century modern appartment. Different rooms festooned with comfortable furniture offer the very rich a peaceful environment in which to max the Centurion.
The new store is stunning; luxe with a capital Louis. But, did we really expect anything else?
Opened 28th May 2010
