Louis Vuitton’s first China maison has opened its doors at Plaza 66 shopping centre in downtown Shanghai. The four level maison, designed by architect Peter Marino, features a silver facade with a Louis Vuitton monogram miniatures. The interior highlights a gilded staircase leading to a private floor called ‘Apartment’ where only invited customers can customise bags and shoes. The ‘Apartment’ at Shanghai’s maison is Louis Vuitton’s second in the world af
after one in Bond Street in London.
The maison offers ready-to-wear for men and women, leather goods, watches, luggage, jewellery and rare products.
The store will host contemporary artworks commissioned from Chinese and international artists by Louis Vuitton.
“The opening of the maison is a huge step. We come to China with a new maison, we bring a new level of sophistication, elegance and refinement to what we’re doing,” said EVP Christopher Zanardi-Landi.
The maison brings ultimate luxury experience in the world, like a voyage of discovery, according to Zanardi-Landi.
The maison, through its product customisation service, addresses the elitist trend among upscale Chinese consumers who want exclusivity and more self-indulgence.
“Ten years ago, Chinese customers were not so sophisticated and very logo-driven. But they are now very knowledgeable,” said Zanardi-Landi.
Zanardi-Landi said the company is upbeat on China despite slowdown as it sees double-digit growth in the mainland.
“Chinese purchasing of Louis Vuitton is still super-strong,” he said.
Louis Vuitton targets Hefei and Shijiazhuang for its next China stores.
The Shanghai maison joins Louis Vuitton’s other 15 maisons in the world.
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