Louis Vuitton unveils brand new shop inside a life-size cruise ship

By ESTHER MARSHALL

Published: 14:32 BST, 25 June 2025 | Updated: 14:34 BST, 25 June 2025

Louis Vuitton has unveiled its latest landmark shop and this time it’s in the shape of a life-size cruise ship.

The new shop, in Shanghai, China is called ‘The Louis’ and will house retail, hospitality and an exhibition onboard.

It might take shoppers a while to explore the whole ship as it spans a whopping 13,000 feet with two levels and 10 themed rooms.  

Pietro Beccari, the chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton, told Women’s Wear Daily (WWD): ‘The Louis marks a step further into Louis Vuitton’s cultural journey. 

‘Shanghai is the perfect harbour to stage such a daring fusion between retail, an exhibition and a cafe, crystallising an experiential place where creativity meets excellence.’ 

The chairman added that the shop embodies the brand’s ‘spirit of travelling’ through ‘ideas, emotions and inspiration’ in a ‘cheerful way’. 

The Louis has a shiny metallic exterior and is emblazoned with the iconic Louis Vuitton logo. 

Its upper levels are in the shape of large zinc-coated Louis Vuitton trunks, a central concept to the brand. 

Louis Vuitton has unveiled its latest landmark shop and this time it’s in the shape of a life-size cruise ship

The new shop, in Shanghai, China is called ‘The Louis’ and will house retail, hospitality and an exhibition onboard

It might take shoppers a while to explore the whole ship as it spans a whopping 13,000 feet with two levels and 10 themed rooms

Louis Vuitton first started crafting its trunks for sea voyages in the 19th century, which coincided with Shanghai’s opening as a treaty port in 1843. 

The brand says that the ship’s ‘boat-like structure’ responds to the Chinese city’s ethos of ’embracing all rivers’.

Visitors will explore two themes in The Louis’ exhibition, one charting the brand’s maritime roots and one tracking its history. 

There’s also a Perfume Room where visitors will be able to see vintage Louis Vuitton toiletry kits. 

A Books Room showcases writings from Gaston-Louis Vuitton, the founder’s grandson. Ernest Hemingway is also referenced as the writer was a client of the fashion house. 

The Louis’ Sport Room has ski gear, rackets and more items that were designed for major brands including Formula 1 and the Olympics. 

Visitors can also explore ‘Workshop’ and ‘Testing’ areas that explain how many of the brand’s iconic items are made. 

Within these areas, visitors can speak to two Louis Vuitton artisans who lift the lid on the production process. 

The brand says that the ship’s ‘boat-like structure’ responds to the Chinese city’s ethos of ’embracing all rivers’

Visitors will explore two themes in The Louis’ exhibition, one charting the brand’s maritime roots and one tracking its history

The Louis debuts on Thursday June 27 and there will then be a 24-hour celebration, kicking off at midnight on Friday

After exploring the exhibition, shoppers can head to the third floor to eat at Le Cafe Louis Vuitton. 

The cafe’s menu has been designed to blend Shanghai cuisine with classic Western style dishes, reports Women’s Wear Daily. 

The Louis debuts on Thursday June 27 and there will then be a 24-hour celebration, kicking off at midnight on Friday. 

It’s set to open to the general public on June 28 with visitors able to book a slot to explore.  

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Louis Vuitton unveils brand new shop inside a life-size cruise ship

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