The multi-storey flagship store on the corner of 57th Street and Fifth Avenue in New York City has closed for an extensive multi-year revamp. In fact, ‘rebuild’ would be more appropriate, since the old building will be demolished, making way for an entirely new structure that’s expected to tremendously exceed the current 91,060 sq.ft. (8,460 sqm.) floor space. And in true luxury powerhouse fashion, the highly prestigious location sees stacked large-sized Louis Vuitton trunks as scaffolding during the lengthy redevelopment of the store. Meanwhile, a temporary Louis Vuitton retail space has opened its doors across the street, and obviously, given the luxury behemoth’s solid credentials, it has pulled out all the stops to create an exceptional shopping experience.

Occupying no less than five floors of a building with an Art Deco-style façade. Designed by the brand’s in-house design team at home base Paris, the focal point of the interior design, and rightfully so, is the imposing light-filled atrium. Here, shoppers find spectacular installations by architect and OMA partner Shohei Shigetmatsu of 108 stacked Courrier Lozine 90 trunks rise toward the ceiling. It’s supplemented by another evocative installation at the back, comprising a wall of mirrored bags, flanked by a series of murals which depict Louis Vuitton‘s many collaborations with top contemporary artists, such as Takashi Murakami, Stephen Sprouse and Yayoi Kusama. Presented across various plush settings shoppers find women’s and men’s apparel, accessories, bags and small leather goods.

Elevating the shopping experience is a carefully sourced series of furnishings by iconic designers on the upper floors, such as Charlotte Perriand and Carlo Mollino. On the top floor, shoppers find a special room where the brand’s high-jewellery pieces and watches can be found. And that’s not all. Louis Vuitton has been dabbling in hospitality at select spots across the planet for some time, and now, it’s introducing its first venture stateside. Le Café Louis Vuitton, situated on the fourth floor, is a library café where shoppers can indulge in curated books and an innovative take on luxury snacking. The café is supervised by chefs Christophe Bellanca and Mary George fosters local talent under the mentorship of French chefs Arnaud Donckele and Maxime Frédéric, while the latter also has a chocolate shop on the premises. © superfuture