WORDS Lindi Brownell Meiring IMAGES Stéphane Muratet
Renowned New York-based architect Peter Marino is behind the design of Louis Vuitton’s brand-new store on the famed Place Vendôme square in Paris.
The Maison will see Louis Vuitton’s couture and ready-to-wear collections come together with watchmaking, jewellery, leather goods, shoes, fragrances, accessories and artisanal workshops, inside two traditional Parisian townhouses.
The buildings, which were once known as Hôtel Baudet de Morlet and Hôtel Heuzé de Vologer, were originally completed in 1714. After a number of alterations and renovations over the years, Peter Marino has restored these classic buildings, initially designed by architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart, to their former glory.
From traditional parquet and stone flooring reminiscent of the 18th century to the building’s original five-metre-high ceilings, Peter took a sensitive approach to the redesign, making use of traditional techniques and materials in combination with contemporary design. This is best seen on the staircase leading from the men’s department on the mezzanine to the women’s ready-to-wear on the first floor: 18th-century stone features are complemented by high-tech glass balustrades suspended on stainless steel cables.
The space is filled with natural light, highlighting the store’s exclusive range of goods across four levels. The Maison will also be home to two working ateliers, one in which exclusive jewellery pieces will be created and another for red-carpet gowns and designs.
Maison Louis Vuitton Vendôme features a selection of 33 commissioned artworks created by artists from six continents. Artists include Serge Alain Nitegeka, Paul Nabulumo Namarinjmak and Yan Pei Ming.
Maison Louis Vuitton Vendôme is located at 2 Place Vendôme, Paris. For more information, visit eu.louisvuitton.com.