Louis Vuitton's New York City flagship store is under renovation, concealed by a facade resembling its iconic trunks, crafted with detailed elements like engraved rivets and chrome hardware. A nearby temporary store at 6 East 57th Street offers four retail floors, a chocolate shop, and the brand�s first U.S. cafe. The space features warm interiors and a 16-metre atrium showcasing trunk-inspired sculptures by OMA's Shohei Shigematsu, clad in signature Louis Vuitton materials. This transition blends innovation with tradition, maintaining Louis Vuitton's heritage and strong brand identity while the flagship store undergoes a renovation expected to double its size.
Louis Vuitton has concealed its flagship store in New York City, currently under renovation, with a facade designed to resemble the brand's iconic trunks. Simultaneously, a temporary store has been opened nearby, featuring sculptures designed in collaboration with OMA partner Shohei Shigematsu.
The flagship store, located at East 57th Street and 5th Avenue, is wrapped in a custom-designed facade created by Louis Vuitton's in-house team. The structure resembles a stack of six grey trunks of varying sizes, paying tribute to the brand's historic Trianon Grey canvas, a light grey textile dating back to the 19th century. Handles, locks, rivets, and silver hardware have been carefully replicated, with some elements, like the largest handle, weighing over 2,200 kilograms.
The team noted that the classic detailing synonymous with Louis Vuitton's savoir-faire, which includes signature locks and chrome-plated hardware, has been incorporated. Real Louis Vuitton trunks were 3D scanned to create the locks and latches, while steel corners were hand-welded, and 840 rivets were engraved with the brand's name. Lighting strips outline the trunks' edges, while black and brown accents mimic leather trims.
Retail operations have been relocated to a temporary store at 6 East 57th Street, a five-storey building near the flagship location. The interim space includes four retail floors featuring men's and women's wear, a chocolate shop, and the brand's first cafe in the United States. While the building's architectural structure remains unchanged, its interiors have been updated with a warm material palette of light woods, cream tones, and shades of brown, all set within an exposed concrete framework.
The atrium of the temporary store showcases four massive sculptures designed by Shigematsu. These towering 16-metre-high installations are inspired by Louis Vuitton trunks and were built to product specifications. The sculptures are constructed in twisting, counterbalanced forms to symbolise strength and lightness. Each is clad in iconic Louis Vuitton materials, such as the Monogram canvas, white Damier, metallic Monogram, and historic stripes.
The exterior of the temporary store features oversized sculptures, including a giraffe and an ostrich, as well as a screen adorned with Louis Vuitton motifs. The facade is further enhanced with bright exterior lighting and pendants.
According to reports, the ongoing renovation of the flagship store could potentially double its size. Once the construction is complete, the temporary store will close, and operations will return to the renovated flagship location.
The renovation project and temporary store reflect Louis Vuitton's commitment to blending innovation with tradition. By incorporating its signature design elements into both the facade and temporary retail experience, the brand has ensured that its iconic heritage remains visible throughout the transition. This approach highlights the importance of maintaining a strong brand identity even amidst change, reinforcing Louis Vuitton's position as a leader in luxury fashion.
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