Photo Courtesy of Louis Vuitton Stéphane Muratet
Louis Vuitton is returning to its origins and more specifically, to where the designer first opened his first store. Indeed, the Maison Louis Vuitton Vendôme has been re-instated and designed by architect Peter Marino at 2 Place Vendôme. Marking the beginning of a new chapter, the new opening reunites Place Vendôme and the House’s traditional métiers, introducing a slew of unmatched expertise in Couture, ready-to-wear, jewelry, watchmaking, leather goods, shoes, fragrances, accessories, and artisanal workshops. Much like the Château of Versailles, the Place Vendôme was designed and built by architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart, a factor that has joined both venues in a timeless heritage.
It’s in that spirit that Louis Vuitton carries on its legacy, establishing workshops and showcasing its creation in Place Vendôme. The Maison blooms in two hôtel particuliers – also known as classic Parisian townhouses – which were completed in 1714, but altered over the years. Peter Marino has now refurbished the two buildings, re-instating their historical lore by changing everything back to their former constitutions, from the 18th century floors to the ceilings and the façade. The Maison presents old and new references, keeping the French heritage intact and introducing ultra-modern designs. The ground floor boasts leather goods, accessories, textiles, fragrances and, on the Place Vendôme side, a full range of jewelry and timepieces. Upstairs, Louis Vuitton men’s universe shines with a series of leather goods, ready-to-wear, formal offer, shoes, travel items and accessories – all of which are displayed on leather lined shelves. Leading to the first floor, the stairs are completed in stone with ultra-modern high-tech glass balustrades suspended by stainless steel cables. The first floor gives way to the women’s ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories sections, while the second floor unveils travel-related items – from Louis Vuitton City Guides and travel books, to luggage – and a shared space with the Objets Nomades, a collection of designer travel and home related objects, offered for the first time in France on a permanent basis. On the Place Vendôme side, the second floor introduces the Appartement, where clients can be invited for private viewings of the collection.
The Maison will be hosting as well two working ateliers, as a nod to the House’s exceptional savoir-faire. Clients will also revel in a selection of 33 contemporary artworks - some specially commissioned - form Laurent Grasso, Yan Pei Ming, Stephen Sprouse, Serge Alain Nitegeka and Paul Nabulumo Namarinjmak ( amongst others).
Also, two historical trunks will be on display at the Maison, the Library Trunk and the 1917 Steamer Trunk. A preview launch of the second chapter of Masters, the continuing collaboration between the House and Jeff Koons, will see the light; with the artist’s reinterpretations of Masters’ paintings transposed onto the canvas of iconic Louis Vuitton bags, including the Speedy, Keepall and Neverfull. The exclusive pieces will be released at the Maison as a preview of the main collection launched in November. To top it all off, an exclusive version of the Capucines bag will be launched at the opening of the Maison Louis Vuitton Vendôme, as well as three exceptional high jewelry sets, specially designed and produced by the Haute Joaillerie workshop.
