The newly opened Louis Vuitton boutique on Rue Saint Faubourg Honoré, the Maison Vendôme, is the latest and most sparkling venue of the LVMH group. Positioned right near the Place Vendôme, the façade shines in a relief installation conceived by Louis Vuitton visual creative director Faye Mcleod of the maison’s new Peter Marino-designed Paris flagship.
It is a symbol of light, sparkle and of course of the arts which matches perfectly the fashion house’s spirit, a strong bondage with many of their artist collaborations. Just think of the latest one with Jeff Koons using images of well known masters like Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa exhibited in the Louvre across the street or the famous dots of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, just two among many other artistic collaborations.
The collection of the Maison Vendôme contains 30 works by 22 different artists and was curated by architect Peter Marino. Stacks of colorful spheres by the artist Annie Morris line the staircases and a 2015 portrait of a young Louis Vuitton by Yan Pei-Ming hangs omnisciently in the accessories space. The space also features custom light sculptures by Philippe Anthonioz, and other works by artists including Stephen Sprouse, Laurent Grasso and Gregor Hildebrandt.
There is one artist service that not everyone knows about. It is a charming service we discovered on the top floor where you will find the bespoke department, known for its hand-painted monogram letters on suitcases and bags but also beautiful custom-made illustrations, hand-painted on whatever item you purchase in the entire store.
Once a client has found their favourite piece of luggage, handbag or any kind of leather good, one has the opportunity to have the new Louis Vuitton piece hand illustrated with any kind of image one desires.
It could be your favourite Paris venue or your French Bulldog, maybe a picture of your husband or your favourite flower. Whatever comes to your mind, the in-house artist at the bespoke department will first make a sketch and then work on the right positioning on the piece of luggage. Once the client is happy with the artwork (on paper) and the position is clear, the piece is hand-painted with a special paint onto the piece.
Of course it takes some time and it might be too late today to be ready for Christmas, but a hand-painted piece of Louis Vuitton is always a good reason to come to Paris and you can start thinking of an image already today, since everything is possible.
Louis Vuitton Maison Vendôme
2 Place Vendôme
75001 Paris
