GRAND OPENING

Louis Vuitton moves to a new address in Bukit Bintang, and does so in a most grandiose fashion.

- ABDUL AZIZ DRAIM

Vacating its previous location in Starhill Gallery, Louis Vuitton has now moved across the street to set up shop in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, the country's premier shopping mall. Located right by the main entrance of the mall, the new store takes the form of a 3-storey retail haven marked by a perforated aluminium façade measuring 11 metres high, dressed in the Maison's iconic Monogram.

True to form, the interiors are warm and sophisticated, defined by elegant lines, luxurious spaces and rich materials, all decorated with an impressive collection of international design pieces and art that include a couple of specially-commissioned works from celebrated Malaysian artist Red Hongyi. From the Pavilion entrance, one enters the store to the Women's floor (Level 3 of Pavilion) where the leather goods area is demarcated by handmade wallpaper by Atelier Martin Berger. Towards the rear, passing the fragrance and accessories area, one descends a few steps into the women's shoe area, a double-height space bathed in natural light filtering through the perforated exterior façade. Nearby resides a private salon that also houses a specially created artwork by the artist MOOK.

The Women's floor is connected to the Men's universe below via a stone staircase further animated by a pattern of metallic trims and light cuts reminiscent of something by Mondrian. The top floor on the other hand accessible via elevator-collects exclusive products including exotic leather goods, timepieces and fine jewellery.