MANILA, Philippines - Louis Vuitton recently opened its newly expanded store at Makati’s premier shopping arcade, Greenbelt 4. The expansion of the store is an affirmation of the luxury brand’s confidence in the Philippine retail market.
The Louis Vuitton store now features a unique façade inspired by the house’s signature Damier pattern. It is a showcase of Louis Vuitton’s flair for combining innovative retail concepts with the mark of savoir-faire. The interiors of the store have been transformed to reinforce the art of travel, the spirit that Louis Vuitton has always been known for. The store’s main entrance opens up to a remarkable travel area and expansive leather goods section featuring well-loved icons and showpieces as seen in the fashion shows. A few stairs up lead you to the mezzanine floor dedicated to a wide array of men’s leather goods, shoes, and accessories. This season sees the new Damier Infini collection consisting of a men’s weekend bag and a briefcase crafted from embossed calfskin.
One of the new features of the store is the addition of a lower floor extension. This floor houses the women’s universe featuring leather goods, shoes and accessories. The highlight on this level is a special wall showcasing the brand’s Rare & Exceptional pieces, once again showcasing the brand’s craftsmanship. Iconic bags such as the Lockit and Brea in exquisite crocodile skin are on display.
Also on this lower level, for the first time, is a private salon that is dedicated to the ultimate, sophisticated personal shopping experience. In cooperation with Galleria Duemila, a painting entitled “Blossom 1” by acclaimed local artist Roberto Robles is on display in this private salon. This artwork is a celebration of spring and the artist’s personal response to the season as a time for reflection and to reconnect with nature, and adds a special touch to the unique salon. Here the city’s top VIPs can appreciate Louis Vuitton’s special highlights and exclusive offer in a private ambience.
Specifically for the opening of the Greenbelt 4 store is a special preview of the latest additions to the highly popular Empreinte collection. The existing styles of this collection are now made available in two new colors, namely aubergine and orient. A new shape called the Citadine is also being launched, which is a tote style bag that comes with a mirrored pouch. Lastly, a new style of Empreinte wallet “Petillante“ will also be available.
“We are very proud of the expanded Louis Vuitton store in the Philippines. Our business in the Philippines has grown year after year since we opened at the Greenbelt in 2003. This expansion allows us to even better welcome our guests and showcase in the best way, the quality and variety of our products,” says Jean-Baptiste Debains, president of Louis Vuitton Asia Pacific. “We will also continue to support efforts of the SOS Children’s Villages in the Philippines as we feel it is important to give back to the local communities in which we operate, following Louis Vuitton’s global CSR actions.”
In line with the global partnership of SOS Children’s Villages and Louis Vuitton, a special grant was given to support the “Family Strengthening Program” of three SOS Children’s Villages in the Philippines — located in Lipa, Davao, and Tacloban. This program aims to keep families (at risk of separation due to poverty) together by providing education, livelihood, and other basic necessities. This partnership is in resonance with the brand’s mission to nurture and educate the next generation.
Louis Vuitton’s celebration commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony joined by Catherine Zobel de Ayala, Jean-Baptiste Debains, Edouard Faure, general manager for Micronesia and the Philippines; and Rhea De Vera-Aguirre, country manager of Louis Vuitton Philippines. This was followed by an in-store cocktail, which was attended by local celebrities, prominent social personalities, distinguished guests and Manila’s hip and fashionable crowd.
The night’s celebration continued with a special journey as guests were transported to a unique party venue. The pathway to the party entrance was made to look like an airport runway, leading up to a set of Louis Vuitton trunk doors that guests walked through as they entered a whimsical “World of Flight.” Inside, the venue was filled with hot air balloons and vintage model airplanes set against the cool ambience of clear blue skies. The DJ’s booth, seemingly atop a floating cloud above the dance floor, housed international performers DJ Simon Washford and DJ Janva. Adding to the spirit of event, French magician Stefan Leyschon entertained guests with his extraordinary illusions and mixologist Joseph Boroski, from New York, created specially designed martini concoctions for this opening. Throughout the evening, guests felt the luxurious heritage and unique modernity that is unmistakably Louis Vuitton.
This Louis Vuitton store at Greenbelt 4 showcases the brand’s exemplary spirit of travel, artistic tastes, and contemporary luxury.