Inside the largest Louis Vuitton men's store in the United States

By

Chenu Alexis

Published
Jul 18, 2022

A personal invitation was required to enter the largest Louis Vuitton men's store, the eighth of its kind in the United States and the first in California, located on Rodeo Drive in the Beverly Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Behind the large textured facade that recalls Louis Vuitton’s trademark Epi leather, and its large windows where two mannequins are displayed against a background of ocean, coral and supernatural sculptures, the entrance to the store is surprisingly large. Much like the store itself, with two levels spread over more than 6500 square feet, and ceiling heights exceeding 17 feet.
 
Lit by natural light, the first floor of the store features various works of art. The first, created by William Darrell, welcomes visitors to an artwork of automaton jellyfish. Illuminating the space, the work created by Marisa Ferreira, inspired by the immersive geometric qualities of a kaleidoscope, shows a vibrant three-dimensional acrylic rainbow painting on stainless steel and mirrors. Virgil Abloh's huge sculpture of the "Giant Man" in a pear tree position connects with the second floor.

In addition to the ready-to-wear collections on offer, the first floor also focuses on Louis Vuitton's classic Objets Nomades, such as table-tennis racket cases, dumbbells and skipping ropes, all emblazoned with the Louis Vuitton monogram. Sunglasses, caps and jewelry are displayed in the windows, and on the translucent, multicolored tables is a selection of books from the Fashion Eye collection and the Louis Vuitton City Guide. 

Still on the first floor, in the back of the store, two lounges welcome customers for fittings and orders, the sneaker area features all the company's models and the latest luggage is displayed above the counters, as is the "Wavy" briefcase model, whose curves impress all the customers.
 
The second floor of the store opens up via the large glass staircase. There is a selection of luggage dedicated to men with a focus on backpacks and small leather goods. Between two trunks, and a miniature soccer table where the figurines of players have been replaced by those of grooms, is the customization space, where a painter carries out special requests. 
 
The VIP room, decorated with murals with mid-century accents by artist Alex Proba, is complete with a selection of ready-to-wear, and the latest watches like the Tambour watch.

Louis Vuitton is not done with Rodeo Drive. The luxury brand will be opening an ephemeral exhibition on July 28, a few meters further up the street. Already available in Paris, in the workshops of Asnières, and also in Singapore and New York, the exhibition '200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries' is appearing for the first time in Los Angeles.