Explore the Louis Vuitton New York Ephemeral Store, a Five-story Wonderland Featuring Fashion, Art, and Gourmet
November 17, 2024 – High Fashion, New York
If New York is known for one thing, it’s the constant reinvention—always creating something that makes you stop and look, even in the city that never sleeps. And Louis Vuitton’s latest “temporary” space on Fifth Avenue is doing exactly that, capturing attention with a five-story architectural feat that’s as playful as it is luxurious. This 36,000-square-foot wonderland of art and iconic fashion beckons you to explore every inch.
Inside, it’s a fashion journey on a monumental scale. Shohei Shigematsu, a visionary at OMA, has reimagined the brand’s iconic trunks, stacking them in a towering display that climbs through the open atrium. These trunk monoliths, adorned in classic Damier patterns, metallic sheens, and monogrammed leather, create a spectacle that’s pure Vuitton theater. And as you ascend floor by floor, each level unveils a unique piece of Vuitton’s world, from high fashion to gourmet experiences that make you pause and take it all in.
On the main floor, Louis Vuitton’s essence is clear. Leather goods, fine jewelry, and exclusive New York-themed keepsakes create a luxurious yet familiar landscape. The walls, adorned with New York-inspired accents, create a seamless connection between the brand’s Parisian roots and the New York heartbeat. Guests are encouraged to touch, try, and experience everything up close—a rare opportunity to be fully immersed in Vuitton’s legacy.
Further up on floor two, he women’s collection captures the spirit of the modern Louis Vuitton New York Ephemeral experience. Here, the brand has created mini-galleries of its famed collaborations, or as they’re called, “Vuittonettes.” The Marc Jacobs era comes alive with bags designed with Richard Prince, Yayoi Kusama, and Takashi Murakami. Every piece has a story, each one a vivid memory of Vuitton’s collaborative magic. The women’s floor feels like a living archive of fashion moments transforming handbags into cultural icons.
Then, it’s on to floor three, dedicated to men’s fashion with a unique twist. Pharrell Williams, Vuitton’s creative director for men’s, brings his playful yet functional style to life. Alongside the accessories are pieces crafted specifically for the “human” experience—dog accessories, practical yet chic gear, and timeless classics designed for the man who values both aesthetics and utility. There’s a palpable sense of fun here, a vibe that feels more like a club than a showroom, yet it’s unmistakably Vuitton.
But just when you think you’ve seen it all, the fourth floor pulls you into a world of culinary delights. Le Café Louis Vuitton, the brand’s first café in the United States, celebrates flavors and artistry. Led by renowned chefs Christophe Bellanca and Marie George, the café serves up dishes like lobster ravioli embossed with the LV flower and decadent croque sandwiches that bring Parisian flair to Midtown. Set in an intimate horseshoe-shaped bar surrounded by Vuitton’s famous trunks. And for dessert? Le Chocolat Maxime Frédéric—a chocolate bar that feels like a fantasy come to life. Signature chocolate bars, hazelnut bonbons, and Vivienne-on-a-Malle (a chocolate music box that brings Vuitton’s mascot to life)- a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Finally, the fifth floor takes exclusivity to a new level. Reserved for Vuitton’s VICs (Very Important Clients), this space houses private shopping suites, the Objets Nomades Collection of designer furniture, and collectible pieces by legends like Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Augustin Rose. It’s a rarefied atmosphere, with each suite tailored to evoke a sense of luxury and comfort. The walls are adorned with works by local New York artists, including Todd Eberle and Chris Martin, whose vibrant, modern pieces add a burst of color that contrasts beautifully with the space’s elegant simplicity.
Opening Night Glamour
Louis Vuitton’s New York Ephemeral pop-up kicked off with an electric opening night on November 14, 2024, that was pure New York glamour. A-listers from Bradley Cooper to Cynthia Erivo filled the space, with Martha Stewart, Jennifer Connelly, and Nina Dobrev joining the celebration. Guests wandered through towering trunk installations and mirrored walls that stretched five stories high. The scent of French-inspired hors d’oeuvres drifted through the air as Beastie Boys’ Mike D spun an unexpected set, transforming the store into a dance floor. Between custom cocktails and exclusive Vuitton displays, the crowd reveled in a night where fashion met New York’s legendary nightlife, setting the bar high for this new Midtown icon.
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