Louis Vuitton, the iconic French luxury fashion house, has stunned Manhattan’s bustling 5th Avenue with an unprecedented architectural marvel – a towering 240-foot ( 73 metres) facade composed of six meticulously crafted giant trunks encasing its 16-story flagship store, which is currently undergoing a multi-year renovation.
The monumental structure, which spans 108 feet (33 meters) wide and 70 feet (21 meters) deep at ground level, showcases extraordinary attention to detail. Each case features authentic elements scaled to grand proportions, from the hand-welded steel corners to the 840 individually etched rivets bearing the Louis Vuitton signature. The largest handle alone weighs an astonishing 5,000 pounds and was created using advanced 3D scanning technology to perfectly replicate the curves and proportions of vintage Louis Vuitton luggage.
The façade’s Trianon Grey canvas pays homage to the building’s 19th-century origins while incorporating the iconic Monogram Flower pattern across its surface, marking the first time this beloved motif has been used architecturally on this scale.
During the renovation, Louis Vuitton continues to serve its customers from a temporary location at 6 E. 57th Street. In addition to showcasing the latest collections, this interim space marks the U.S. debut of a Louis Vuitton café and chocolate shop. The Art Deco-inspired space features a whimsical holiday carousel-themed façade, complete with moving animal displays and monogrammed lights.
The brand’s ties to New York run deep, dating back to 1898, when Louis Vuitton products first arrived on American shores. Its first standalone New York boutique opened on 57th Street in 1980, marking the beginning of an enduring presence in Manhattan’s luxury shopping district.
