Step into the world of luxury at Louis Vuitton’s temporary emporium in Manhattan, now located just across the street from its iconic Fifth Avenue flagship, which is undergoing extensive renovations. This new five-floor establishment at 6 East 57th Street offers an enticing escape into a world of opulence, blending fashion, art, and even culinary delights. With its extravagant exterior and an interior buzzing with creative energy, the store promises a sensory-rich experience that remains distinctly Louis Vuitton.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Shohei Shigematsu of OMA
Location: 6 East 57th Street, Manhattan, New York
Interior Designer: Ian Luna
Culinary Chefs: Christophe Bellanca and Marie George
Chocolatier: Maxime Frédéric
Featured Artists: Caio Fonseca, Chris Martin, Todd Eberle
As you approach Louis Vuitton’s new temporary home, you’re greeted by a dramatic facade, adorned with a whimsical holiday display featuring a colossal ostrich and giraffe. This spectacle is reminiscent of the 1900 Paris Universal Exhibition, where Georges Vuitton made his mark with grandly presented trunks. Inside, the lobby welcomes visitors with an architectural marvel conceived by Shohei Shigematsu of OMA: a towering installation of the brand’s classic Courrier Lozine 90 trunks. These 108 trunks, arranged in seemingly gravity-defying formations, create a dynamic visual spectacle in the atrium, alongside five installations curated for the elevator entry spaces. The installations bring together vibrant murals and mirrored bags, celebrating iconic collaborations with artists like Yayoi Kusama and Takashi Murakami.
The store’s interior offers more than just eye-catching displays; it houses a series of themed salons dedicated to the finest of Vuitton’s offerings. From women’s and men’s fashions to haute couture and high jewelry, these spaces encapsulate the essence of luxury. Even pets aren’t left out, with their very own line of dog accessories. One of the key attractions is Le Café Louis Vuitton, a sanctuary designed to evoke the cozy elegance of a library. Here, visitors can enjoy “luxury snacking” in a setting enriched with 650 handpicked books covering topics from fashion to art. The menu, masterminded by renowned chefs, brings a taste of Louis Vuitton’s gourmet vision, complete with delicacies that incorporate the brand’s signature monogram motifs.
Gastronomic pleasures continue with the opening of Vuitton’s first chocolate store in the U.S., curated by the acclaimed pâtissier Maxime Frédéric. The chocolatier crafts delectable treats using premium ingredients like Madagascar cocoa, resulting in creations that are as artistic as they are delicious. Highlights include hazelnut bonbons and a special Vivienne on Malle music box made entirely of chocolate. Each sweet offering in this unique shop represents the maison’s commitment to fine craftsmanship and the indulgence of the senses.
Throughout the store, Louis Vuitton expertly intertwines fashion and art. Visitors wander through room-like tableaux showcasing a careful curation of furniture by designers such as Carlo Mollino and Christophe Delcourt, along with pieces from Vuitton’s Objets Nomades collection. This opulent array complements contemporary artworks scattered throughout the store, featuring artists like Caio Fonseca and Todd Eberle. Every corner invites discovery, with displays designed to inspire and enchant Vuitton enthusiasts.
A visit to this temporary flagship wouldn’t be complete without exploring its exclusive, New York-themed pieces. The collection boasts unique items like the taxi-yellow Neverfull Inside Out bag and a royal blue LV baseball cap, affirming the city’s vibrant influence on the brand. These exclusive designs are only available for a limited time, adding to the allure of the store ahead of the Fifth Avenue flagship’s grand reopening. Until then, Louis Vuitton fans can immerse themselves in this captivating blend of style, innovation, and tradition at 6 East 57th Street.
