Event Watch: Louis Vuitton Shanghai Maison Grand Opening (July 21)

Exhibition Of Louis Vuitton Express Traveling From Paris To Shanghai, On Show From July 18-August 8

Coming just in time to celebrate the brand’s 20th anniversary in China, on July 21 Louis Vuitton will open its first-ever mainland China “Maison” at Shanghai’s Plaza 66, two days after the “Louis Vuitton Express” (currently about to leave Moscow) rolls into the city. Best described as an “LV store on steroids,” the opening of LV’s 16th global Maison in Shanghai follows recent launches in Taipei, Sydney, and Singapore.

Comprising four floors, the Shanghai Maison will house LV’s full range of leather goods, men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collections, watches and jewelry, luggage, footwear, bespoke collections and a range of “China-only” limited-edition products. A temple both to commerce and culture, the vast store will also exhibit exclusive artwork by Chinese and international contemporary artists, along with a five-meter-high pagoda.

Far larger than ordinary Louis Vuitton stores, Maison flagships include special VIP services and products that can’t be found elsewhere, including custom tea trunks (Taipei), a dedicated travel room (Singapore), and bespoke footwear department (Milan). As yet, there’s no word on which special services or products will be available at the Shanghai Maison.

In preparation for the upcoming launch of the Maison, Plaza 66 will hold an exhibition documenting photographer Todd Selby’s “Paris to Shanghai” journey, on show at the mall from July 19-August 4.