Yelena Smetannikov visits Louis Vuitton Maison George Street, Sydney’s newest landmark of luxury.
March 1st, 2012
On 3 December 2011, Louis Vuitton opened its 13th Maison in the world, on George St, Sydney – 25 years to the day that it opened its first store on Castlereagh St in 1986.
“Sydney is one of the most important fashion and cultural cities in the world which brings together heritage and innovation,” says Yves Carcelle, Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton.
The Maison will be a new landmark for luxury in Australia, and includes unique personalisation services, a custom designed shoe service for men, and handbags for women.
Built, in collaboration with F2 Architecture, completed the 2000m2 fit-out. Inspired by a Florentine palazzo, the Maison’s interior is an intimate atmosphere which has the characteristics of a luxurious heritage home.
A grand reception area features double height ceilings adorned with gold leaf. Bags, small leather goods and accessories are showcased against anigre wood displays.
A ceiling-hung staircase made of glass, timber and steel leads to the men’s department. Cumaru wood floors and leather furniture create a look that is masculine and highly sophisticated.
Pillars feature an outline of a Eucalyptus tree using a special wood marquetry technique, reflecting Louis Vuitton’s spirit of adapting to local culture and context. All wood used in the fit out is ecologically certified.
The women’s floor is a palette of beige and cream tones. Wallpapers and glass feature geometric patterns. A separate room allows women to design a personalised handbag, from a choice of 8 different types of leathers in 26 colours.
“Opening a Maison in Sydney is an expression of our belief and optimism in the future of this city. We would like visitors to embark with us on a journey full of surprises in this flagship Maison,” Carcelle says.
Acknowledgements to Michaela Dunworth at Built for providing information.
Images courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Built
built.com.au
F2 Architecture
f2architecture.com.au
Louis Vuitton
louisvuitton.com.au
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
As well as considering the materials and processes used to manufacture furniture solutions, companies like Workspace are shifting their focus to the entire lifespan of products.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
Is city architecture innately sexist? This Australian research project is going to find out, and propose some ways to design the issue out.
In recognition of the design leadership, collaboration, innovation, sustainability and client service of their own, Hayball and TKD Architects share news of recent internal promotions.
Kerstin Thompson Architects’ work at Bundanon recently marked its one-year anniversary. Having garnered such international attention, and with Thompson having recently been awarded the AIA Gold Medal, it’s a fitting time for a mini-retrospective on this architectural success story.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
This executive lounge and Chinese restaurant in the Shangri-La Qiantan draws sumptuously from the architecture of Shanghai Shikumen houses.
Those sold on the attractions of natural stone would do well to consider these impressive alternatives from Neolith.
Some of your favourite names in design specification are leading the way in circularity and sustainable business practices.
Explore the future of cancer treatment at the Australian Bragg Centre, where a revolutionary design by Woods Bagot integrates cutting-edge proton therapy with patient-centric features, including natural light and adaptive Verosol blinds, creating a space that merges innovation and empathy for a holistic healing journey.