Summary
- Louis Vuitton debuts “The Louis,” a cruise-inspired concept store located in Shanghai’s Nanjing West Road district
- The immersive space blends retail, exhibition and dining, with nods to maritime culture and the brand’s travel trunk heritage
- Entry is free; exhibition access requires advance registration via the “My LV” WeChat mini program
Louis Vuitton has recently opened “The Louis” to the public, a cruise-inspired concept store located on Nanjing West Road in Shanghai. The stunning 30-meter-tall structure is a contemporary homage to Louis Vuitton’s 19th-century heritage of crafting hand-sized travel trunks, while also paying tribute to Shanghai’s historical role as a port city and its reputation as the “Gateway to the East.”
Spanning 1,600 square meters across three levels, the design of “The Louis” merges tradition with innovation. The exterior is wrapped in Louis Vuitton’s iconic monogram, with the bow of the structure polished in steel and metal, evoking the elegance of a luxury cruise liner. The hull is finished in sleek metallic silver, accented with a bold red stripe, while the upper decks mimic the classic design of Louis Vuitton trunks, complete with leather straps and white stitch-like detailing. The architectural vision is as immersive as it is iconic — instantly recognizable yet entirely original.
Inside, the space is designed not only to be visually captivating but also deeply experiential. “The Louis” blends retail, exhibition, and hospitality into one unified luxury destination. The first two floors are dedicated to exhibition space called the “Visionary Journeys” exhibition, it offers guests a chance to explore the maison’s connection to maritime culture and its enduring legacy of craftsmanship. Visitors encounter floating monogram trunks that appear to drift through the space, creating a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere. A dedicated perfume room showcases vintage toiletry kits some encased in Louis Vuitton trunks, while a book room features the writings of Gaston-Louis Vuitton, accompanied by a trunk-turned-book shelf and a vintage typewriter.
In another section, a sports room displays athletic gear used in prestigious events such as Formula 1 and the Olympics, complemented by trophy trunks and curved digital screens that wrap around the walls to create an immersive environment. There’s also a working atelier and testing area where artisans offer live demonstrations of Louis Vuitton’s artisanal processes, providing guests with a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship behind the brand.
Crowning the top floor is Le Café Louis Vuitton, an elegant dining space that offers a curated fusion menu blending local Shanghai flavors with Western culinary techniques. Guests can enjoy their meals on an outdoor terrace overlooking the ship’s deck or sip drinks at the beautifully designed bar. The café also boasts a large selection of pastries, further enhancing the luxurious yet welcoming ambiance.
Retail spaces within “The Louis” are expansive and thoughtfully curated, offering selections for both men and women, including leather goods, accessories and ready-to-wear pieces. Personalization plays a key role in the experience, with exclusive hot-stamp stations offering Shanghai-only motifs — giving each purchase a bespoke, location-specific touch. Through this ambitious new concept, Louis Vuitton not only reinforces its roots in travel and heritage but redefines what a luxury retail experience can be.
The Louis is now open to the public free of charge, while access to the “Visionary Journeys” exhibition requires advance registration through the “My LV” WeChat mini program.
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