Shanghai’s Louis Vuitton Store Showcases Massive Boat-Inspired Architecture

At the helm of HKRI Taikoo Hui in central Shanghai, a massive boat-inspired concept store, The Louis Shanghai, draws attention. Created by the luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton (LV), this installation serves not merely as an ornament but as a homage to Shanghai’s rich maritime heritage and LV’s historical path.

Crafted by the brand’s in-house design team, The Louis Shanghai resembles a berthed ship, featuring a bow and hull embellished with LV’s signature monogram. The deck and upper sections of the edifice evoke the travel trunks that defined Louis Vuitton’s legacy in the 19th century, representing their beginnings in creating trunks for transoceanic travels.

“In this manner,” LV observes, “the launch of ‘The Louis’ in Shanghai resonates through the ages, connecting the historical port with a modern cultural venue.”

Distinguished architect Shohei Shigematsu from the architecture firm OMA collaborated with LV to realize this architectural wonder. The initial two levels introduce guests to the Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys exhibition, offering an in-depth exploration of the brand’s cultural and historical significance across 13,000 square feet.

Guests commence their experience through Trunkscape, a visually stunning installation showcasing LV monogrammed trunks beneath an archway, enhanced by shifting nature visuals. As they progress, thematic rooms curated by Shigematsu delve into core concepts such as travel, craftsmanship, fashion, and innovation, traced through LV’s illustrious history.

Noteworthy features include a map chronicling Louis Vuitton’s expedition, a workshop illustrating the craftsmanship behind each item, and the archival sports room displaying trophy trunks for events like Formula 1, FIFA, and the Olympics. The exhibition ends with a gift shop providing leather goods, accessories, and personalized hot stamp services exclusive to the Shanghai site.

The third level contains a café, styled to mimic a classic cruise ship, with trunks integrated into the décor. Warm wooden hues and gentle lighting enhance the nostalgic atmosphere.

Complimentary and accessible to the public, The Louis invites guests to dive into a distinctive fusion of history, art, and fashion, set against the renowned backdrop of Shanghai’s dynamic cultural scene.