The flagship store Louis Vuitton was opened in Seoul, designed by the bureau of Pritzker Prize winner Frank Gehr, one of the most significant architects of our time. The roof design also refers to the Frank Gehry art center for the cultural foundation created by Louis Vuitton in Paris.
Louis Vuitton Maison Seoul has received eye-catching glass panels that, on the one hand, “create the impression of flying,” and, on the other hand, evenly distribute natural light throughout the building. The sloping roof also creates a series of private terraces at the top of the building.
According to Gehry, the inspiration for the unusual design of the store was the existing connection between architecture and the natural landscape of Seoul, which the architect noted during his first visit to the city 25 years ago. The five levels of the new flagship include both shopping galleries with the latest collections of French brand clothing and accessories, as well as a permanent art collection and temporary exhibition space, including the Louis Vuitton Collection.
Interiors for the new Louis Vuitton store were designed by the famous “luxury architect” Peter Marino, who continually works with Chanel, LV, Dior, Armani, and other houses. According to the architect, in the new shopping space, each floor is a “different universe.” The center of the store is a massive hall at the entrance of the high twelve meters, which contrasts with the small salons for secluded shopping. The unusual exterior of the building is compared with numerous plants, flower decorations, and exclusive furniture. The staircase connects the men’s space on the ground floor, the women’s clothing department on the first floor, and private areas with covered terraces on the upper levels, which can be used for exclusive events.
