SHANGHAI LOUIS VUITTON STORE BUILT IN THE SHAPE OF A GIANT BOAT

At the front plaza of the central Shanghai shopping centre, HKRI Taikoo Hui, there is a gigantic boat. Furthermore, it isn't a shipwreck. It's Louis Vuitton's (LV) boat-shaped concept store, The Louis Shanghai. An amazing addition to the plaza, the docked ship was designed by the company's in-house staff. In keeping with LV's 19th-century tradition of building trunks for transoceanic travel, the deck and stacked top level are designed to resemble travel trunks, complete with a bow and hull adorned with the company's recognisable monogram. Beyond the business, Shanghai's port culture as a "Gateway to the East" is also honoured by the boat's design.

LV states that by connecting the old port with a modern cultural area, the opening of "The Louis" in Shanghai produces a spiritual resonance that spans decades. The first two floors of the three-story Louis are devoted to showcasing the history and culture of the company. Renowned architect Shohei Shigematsu, a partner at the architecture firm OMA, created the design. The breathtaking Trunkscape, an exhibit with LV-branded trunks piled over the archway with constantly shifting nature views as the backdrop, welcomes visitors.

The Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys exhibition is accessible via Trunkscape. Together with the LV team, Shigematsu designed over 13,000 square feet of themed rooms that delve into the brand's past. It introduces the company's core concepts, which include innovation, fashion, travel, and workmanship. Across storytelling, Shigematsu created an experience that allows guests to journey across time and creation, fusing the past and present. 

A map charting Louis Vuitton's and the brand's history, a workshop showcasing the artistry that goes into each piece, and an archival sports area including trophy trunks from the Olympics, FIFA, and Formula 1 are just a few of the themed rooms.

A gift shop with a variety of leather products, accessories, shoes, and travel gear for men and women closes the show. People can add Shanghai city, boat, and lifestyle city stamps on their LV things using the available hot stamp service.

The Louis has a cafe on the third level. Trunks serve as a design motif, just like the rest of the concept store. The room is designed to resemble a vintage cruise ship with warm wood and subdued lighting.