Arushi Sakhuja
Louis Vuitton, renowned for its luxury fashion and accessories, has expanded its reach into the realm of gastronomy with its exclusive cafés established in select locations across the globe. This fusion of high-end fashion and culinary experiences creates a unique and immersive atmosphere that appeals to a diverse audience, and the buzz that surrounds the LV cafes is magnanimous. Over time, Louis Vuitton cafes have a peculiar design that reflects the brand's signature elegance and sophistication and iconic flower motif. From the exquisite decor to the meticulously curated menus and patisserie items adorned with the brand's motifs, every aspect of the dining experience is thoughtfully curated to delight the senses.
But in essence, this shift marks a new culture; A Concept Destination. These cafes often serve as extensions of Louis Vuitton flagship stores, providing customers with an all-encompassing luxury shopping and dining experience. Whether enjoying a cup of artisanal coffee or indulging in gourmet pastries, patrons can immerse themselves in the world of Louis Vuitton while savouring delectable culinary creations. After the bustling opening of their first-ever chocolate boutique in Singapore, nestled in the Marina Bay Sands flagship store, Le Chocolat Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton, Southeast Asia finally has its very first restaurant. The brand announced the unveiling of The LV Place Bangkok, at Gaysorn Amarin, Thailand which is a concept destination that merges fashion, art and culinary excellence.
A groundbreaking concept space, and a unique entrance to the Southeast Asian market the key of LV The Place Bangkok, includes an immersive exhibition, café, store, and restaurant from the celebrated chef, Gaggan Anand. For Louis Vuitton this isn't just another luxury boutique; it's a full-fledged experiential destination. Occupying two floors of the downtown retail complex, LV The Place Bangkok establishes a dream-like aura from its corner location where the façade is enhanced with giant diamond shapes that glow at night. From the inside, the space plays out as a multi-faceted integration of retail, dining and culture.
Divided into three sections guests can make their way to Visionary Journeys, the exhibition curated by architectural luminary Shohei Shigematsu (partner of globally renowned architectural firm OMA). On the ground floor, is the Le Café Louis Vuitton offering a sensory delight with its botanical ambiance and exquisite patisserie selection. Meanwhile, the upper level hosts the chic retail space, showcasing exclusive products and offering personalised services like hot stamping. But the luxury doesn't stop there. The key highlight is celebrated chef Gaggan Anand's Gaggan at Louis Vuitton, set amidst stunning décor, diners savour innovative dishes reflecting Thai flavours and Louis Vuitton's quintessence.
Gaggan at Louis Vuitton
Whether lunch or dinner on the upper level, renowned Indian chef Gaggan Anand invites guests on an exquisite culinary journey, at Gaggan at Louis Vuitton. The space is brought to life with a striking pyramid of trunks, guiding patrons into a space adorned with undulating walls, resin structures by Draga & Aurel elegant Monogram flower lamps and a finely laid tablescape with Louis Vuitton serve ware.
With ten Italian marble tables, the restaurant has a seasonal menu crafted exclusively for Louis Vuitton inspired by the five "S" sensations - Sweet, Sour, Salty, Spicy, and Surprise. Here, every dish is a work of art; from Thai-inspired dressed lobster to a mushroom recipe presented in a Damier pattern, each creation is meticulously crafted and served on distinctive tableware. what's more? For those who like additional privacy, you can make your way to the private dining room which offers a glimpse into the kitchen with just the push of a button, allowing guests to witness the magic firsthand.
Le Café Louis Vuitton
Carrying ahead the culinary journey is the Le Cafe by Louis Vuitton, one that has been popularised worldwide. Nestled on the ground floor, the interiors seamlessly blend botanical motifs with the Maison's signature elegance. Echoing the tropical climate of Southeast Asia, the interior boasts natural materials such as wood, raffia, and lush greenery. From the iconic Monogram parquet floor to furnishings inspired by the Objets Nomades collection, every corner is a visual delight.
Be blown away by the pièce de résistance, the expansive curved counter, showcasing the exquisite dessert selection that is sure to make you salivate. On the menu, guests can try a delectable array of pastries, cakes, tarts, parfaits, and ice cream sandwiches, each adorned with distinctive Louis Vuitton motifs. Among the best offerings are the Star Blossom Cake, a decadent chocolate and caramel creation, and the Monogram Cake, a delightful pistachio treat infused with orange blossom. Quench your thirst with the locally inspired Mango Sticky Rice Fizz, featuring mango and sticky rice-infused syrup with a splash of tonic water.
Visionary Journeys
At Visionary Journeys, thematic rooms offer distinct environments, taking the audience through the history, core values of savoir-faire, innovation, travel, and creation of the brand, while seamlessly blending historical and contemporary elements. The journey kicks off with Trunkscape, where 96 trunk modules form a captivating tunnel, narrating a tale of craftsmanship and ingenuity. Origins follows suit, presenting a 360-degree panorama of archival documents and early designs, spotlighting the pivotal role of the Vuitton family. Here you can find on display, trunks from the late 19th century which illustrate how Louis Vuitton began as a packer and trunk maker, while examples of the Monogram canvas through the decades reflect the continuity and innovation of a living brand.
The next section would possibly be a favourite for many. This is dedicated to Iconic Bags, the next room celebrates 25 years of fashion history at Louis Vuitton through the lens of five iconic bag models namely Alma, Keepall, Speedy, Noé and the Petite Malle. It showcases reinterpretations of five iconic bag models by the Maison’s artistic directors, Marc Jacobs, Kim Jones, Nicolas Ghesquière, Virgil Abloh and Pharrell Williams, advancing both craftsmanship and style. Finally, the Collaboration space explores the creative partnerships that have birthed some of fashion's most memorable pieces, with original creations by luminaries like Stephen Sprouse and Takashi Murakami. A grand finale awaits visitors in the Giveaway Room, where souvenirs can be collected as mementos of this extraordinary journey.
The Store
Moving to the retail space is a pleasurable experience at the store. Adorned with vibrant accents amidst vintage furnishings and lively artworks, the store presents a modern and immersive atmosphere.
The layout seamlessly integrates the men’s and women’s product collections, enhancing the shopping journey for discerning clients seeking exceptional design. From the exclusive launch of the Alma Nano Rainbow in five captivating colours to the women’s Cruise 2024 T-shirt available in four unique hues, and the men’s LV Trainer Upcycling sneaker featuring a distinct colourway, patrons can anticipate unparalleled exclusivity. These items are coveted worldwide and are solely obtainable at this flagship store.
Address: LV The Place Bangkok Gaysorn Amarin at Gaysorn Village Level G-2, No. 496-502 Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok Tel 1800-01-1112
Opening Hours: Le Café: 10am - 8pm Exhibition: 10am - 8pm Retail: 10am - 8pm Restaurant: 12pm - 11pm (Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday)