Tea and tea drinking play an important role in the daily life of Taiwanese people; it is also a valuable tradition that is passed on from generation to generation. To pay respect to this unique local culture, 3 pieces of tea trunks in Epi rainbow colors (red, green, and orange) are specially created and designed by Patrick – Louis Vuitton in Asnieres, Paris. The tea trunks contain a customized Chinese tea set designed by Hsiao Fan Pottery Art. During the opening of the Louis Vuitton Taipei 101 Maison, an antique tea trunk from the museum archives in Asnieres is also on display showing timeless creativity.

Antique Louis Vuitton Tea Trunk

The archives of the House of Vuitton bear witness to the pronounced taste of the Maharajahs for the world of automobiles. Keen enthusiasts of luxury English cars, they ordered numerous items of luggage from Louis Vuitton specially designed for their travels. The car trunk, the driver’s bag and the Excelski trunk are all classics that they adopted and adapted to their taste for grandeur.

Picnic trunks are among the objects most highly prized by Indian clientele. Whether – as here – made of Vuittonite, a material resistant to all inclement weather that can be placed on a vehicle’s running board, or made of delicate natural cowhide leather, these trunks can be fitted out according to each customer’s wishes. Often, the contents are a subtle collection of fine materials: silver, crystal, fine porcelain, tortoiseshell, horn, ivory, etc. Thus even an impromptu lunch on one’s travels becomes a delight worthy of the greatest of princes.

Images via Louis Vuitton

Embark on an epic journey around the world and discover the secrets behind some of the most exquisite and unique trunks created by Louis Vuitton for explorers, magicians, movie stars, maharajas ….

Adapted from the book Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks and packed with videos, sound clips, unpublished texts and documents, this application brings together the finest cases, boxes and other trunks crafted by Louis Vuitton, from 1854 to the present day. These exceptional pieces bear witness as much to the elegant art of travel as to the passionate adventures of their owners.

Louis Vuitton’s luggage creations have been taken aboard mythical trains and transatlantic ocean liners, automobiles and the world’s first airplanes, crossing borders and withstanding the test of time, accompanying adventurers, trend-setters, crowned heads of state, artists and pleasure-seekers of all kinds, from Savorgnan de Brazza to Sharon Stone, Ernest Hemingway to Queen Elizabeth II, and Jeanne Lanvin to Takashi Murakami.

Take full advantage of the interactive possibilities offered by the iPad and explore a reference content for hours of browsing pleasure, 100 emblematic trunks each with its own story to tell, more than 1,000 illustrations and unpublished documents, 40 videos and sound clips, 360-degree views of 10 very special trunks, texts available in four languages (French, English, Simplified Chinese and Japanese) and social sharing via e-mail, Twitter or Facebook

Louis Vuitton 100 Legendary Trunks iPad app can be browsed in six ways:

• chronological presentation of the trunks placed in the context of world history
• completely immersive and easy-to-use panorama of trunks
• portrait gallery of famous travelers, past and present
• random journey of discovery, exploring trunks and incredible places
• section entirely dedicated to the art and craftsmanship of the trunk-maker
• treasure trunk showcasing the application’s latest additions as they are released: new multimedia content and unpublished materials

Louis Vuitton 100 Legendary Trunks for iPad is available on the iTunes App Store for US$18.99.

Images via Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Taipei 101 Maison will be the first in Taiwan to host a “Travel Room” – an expert salon dedicated to travel luggage and accessories to demonstrate the House’s travel heritage and its vision to transform every travel experience into a personal journey – it is natural to find Made For Travel collection, a new men’s product family combining travel spirit, innovative materials, comfort, practicality and technology for modern travelers.

Be it cruiser jacket, windcheater, thermo gilet, trousers, jeans, shirt or T-shirt, these functional, free fit, ultra comfortable travel apparels are easy to match and packed, with its thermo control, lightweight, high-tech, protective fabrics with water and stain resistant treatments, perfecting them for the free-spirited adventurers, any time, any season. As the name of the collection suggest, this collection is made for travel that guarantees a maximum level of durability and quality.

Images via Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Taipei 101 Maison follows Sydney George Street Maison as the second in Asia to present Haute Maroquinerie collection, a sophisticated and high end personalized handbag service that allows every woman to create a unique bag of her own, by choosing the style, the leather and the color according to her preference.

The personalization service provides 5 different shapes (Lockit, Noé, Triangle, Milaris and Néo Steamer) in a total of 11 models in different sizes, 8 finest leathers (supple, film, and exotic crocodile) and 27 colors, which can come up to more than 40,000 possible combinations, enhanced by a personalization patch with the name of the customer, making every design uniquely hers.

Haute Maroquinerie collection demonstrates the savoir faire of Louis Vuitton in creating the finest leather handbags with impeccable details. It has further enhanced the House’s personalization service to a new level.

Haute Maroquinerie Lockit

Haute Maroquinerie Milaris

Haute Maroquinerie Neo Steamer

Haute Maroquinerie Noé

Haute Maroquinerie Triangle

Images via Louis Vuitton

Screen’s International leading lady Maggie Cheung’s DJ debut, an exclusive dinner featuring 101 dignitaries, highly influential in Taiwan, and a gala party highlighted the inauguration of Louis Vuitton’s newest Maison on the island on May 3 at Taipei 101. Deemed the fashion event of the year, the opening not only defines the Malletier’s another significant milestone in Taiwan, but also a respected tribute to the 101th year of Taiwan.

The Opening Ceremony

The two-leveled Louis Vuitton Maison at Taipei 101, the towering architectural landmark in Taipei city, becomes the first in Taiwan to host two of the Maison’s luxury concepts: Haute Maroquinerie – a personalized handbag service for women showcasing the House’s signature leather craftsmanship, and a Travel Room elaborating its foundation of travel culture and its vision of inspiring every journey into an experience of spiritual exploration.

An elegant terrace garden on Level 5 overlooking the mall is a world’s first for the Maison, while integration of local culture and artistic collaboration in the form of artworks in the store reinforces innovative and advanced luxury retail so unique to Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton celebrated the opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony officiated by international star Maggie CHEUNG, Yves Carcelle, Chairman and Chief Executive of Louis Vuitton, Jean-Baptiste Debains, President of Louis Vuitton Asia Pacific, Anita Yang, General Manager of Louis Vuitton Taiwan and Hung-Ming Lin, Chairman and President of Taipei 101.

The Gala Dinner

The Gala Dinner marking the opening of the Louis Vuitton Maison at Taipei 101 was genuinely a celebration of the 101s. The remarkable 101 personalities gracing the soiree included: renowned Korean star Yoon Eun Hye, Hong Kong actress Gigi Leung, international high-jewellery designer Anna Hu, famous artist Michael Lin, film director Gang Lee, architect Yung Hung Huang, chairman of Dale Carnegie Training John Hei, owner of Catwalk Model Agency Ivan Hung, famous model and trend spotter Flora Sun.

Between exquisite delicacies specially created by Singaporean rising chef Janice Wong and intoxicating bubbles, the distinguished guests’ were delighted and amazed by the mesmerizing tricks specially created for the opening night by French magician Stefan Leyshon set in a beautiful designed room paying homage to ‘a celebration of Taiwan’ theme.

The Party

After the opening ceremony and gala dinner, Louis Vuitton invited the city’s chic crowd to an in-house party, where mystery guest DJ Maggie Cheung brought the house down by guest DJ-ing in her first ever DJ performance. Maggie’s love of music was truly brought to life.

Adding glamour to the party were: super model Patina Lin, Sonia Sui, famous actors Mark Chao, Tony Yang, Sunny Wang, and Godfrey Kao, rising artist Shin-Pin Hsi, NewChi marketing director Janet Wang, socialites Yi Chen, Janet Lee, Stella Huang, second generation of Phoenix International Freight Service Crystal Wang, graphic designer Qing-Yang Xiao, model Hope Lin.

While the guests savoured the tempting cocktail concoctions created by international mixologist Joseph Boroski, the party mood was enlivened with the propelling rhythms by fancy chic duo DJ Brahms & Co from Paris and guests were enjoying the fashion night till late.

Images via Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton strides a big leap in its Taiwanese journey with a new Maison at Taipei 101, the architectural landmark in Taipei city.

In the words of Yves Carcelle, Charman and CEO of Louis Vuitton: “This inauguration is a milestone in Louis Vuitton’s Taiwanese journey. This new Maison, within Taipei’s most stunning landmark will allow visitors to discover our most beautiful creations.”

“We see this opening as a celebration of our long history with Taiwan: a country where we are present since 1983″, says Jean-Baptiste Debains, President, Louis Vuitton Asia Pacific. “The renovation and expansion works at this store have resulted in a sophisticated space of an unprecedented kind.”

Louis Vuitton Taipei 101 Maison Façade at Night

Staircase

The Taipei 101 Maison has been crafted to allow visitors to discover Louis Vuitton’s respect for craftsmanship and its passion for creation through its architecture and its products. Its five 12-meter high windows façade gives insight to a two-storey high indoor atrium. Anchoring this atrium is an elliptical staircase unfurling like a white ribbon leading to the upper floor, where a world’s first terrace garden in a store welcomes visitors.

Men’s Universe, Leathergoods Area

Men’s Universe, Ready-to-Wear Area

Women’s Universe

Women’s Universe, Ready-to-Wear Area

VIC Salon with Haute Maroquinerie on display

Besides showcasing a complete selection of both women’s and men’s collections, from leather goods, ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories as well as watches and jewelry, the Taipei 101 Maison is the second Maison in Asia Pacific after the George Street Maison in Sydney to offer “Haute Maroquinerie” – an exclusive personalization service of Louis Vuitton iconic shapes to design a unique handbag made from the finest leathers.

Travel Room

The Maison will also feature a Travel Room – an area especially dedicated to travel goods. A 9-meter “travel expert” wall filled with an entire range of luggage and travel accessories highlights the first appearance of the “Made for Travel” line of travel clothes and accessories. A compass set in the travertine floor points in the direction of Asnières, Paris where Louis Vuitton’s family home and workshop were first established in 1859.

Terrace Garden

Terrace Garden

The Taipei 101 Maison is designed to orchestrate an intimate atmosphere, appropriate for discoveries. In a private salon bathed in natural light, a “Tea Painting” by Chinese artist Liang Quan makes dialogue with Taiwanese artist Hsi Shih Pin’s phoenix sculpture, denoting the House’s respect of local culture and creativity. THe journey concludes at the Chinese-inspired terrace garden, where visitors may relax while appreciating “The Artificial Rock” by Chinese sculptor Zhan Wang and two interpretations of birdcages by Hong Kong artist Kum Chi Keung.

At the occasion of this opening, and staying true to its long-time commitment to supporting creativity and education, Louis Vuitton is proud to announce the launch of the “Pave A Road Project”: a collaboration with Taiwan Fund for Children and Family (TFCF) to promote visual arts education opportunities for Taiwan’s underprivileged children in 2012.

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Store Hours:
Monday to Thursday and Sunday: 11:00 am to 9:30 pm
Friday, Saturday and National Holidays: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm

Store Address:
Taipei 101 Mall, 4 – 5 Floor
No.45, Shifu Rd., Xinyi Dist. Taipei City 110, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

Images via Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton focuses on essentials with this Tambour which offers a unique countdown. The Tambour LV Cup Automatic Countdown gives a majestic place to the art of the regatta.

Its two push buttons placed opposite the crown activate a 5-minute countdown, whose first 4 minutes tick by through on a large window at 12 o’clock while the last minute, the fateful one, is displayed in red at 6 o’clock. A genuine show on a navy blue dial split in two by the illustration of the starting line between 9 and 3 o’clock.

An instrument which is easy to handle while going one step further, borrowing the flyback system from the chronographs. In case of a false start, the countdown can be stopped and instantly started again – essential!
An iconic model of the LV Cup range, streamlined, elegant and modern with among others slender index and numerals.

Features:
• Extra large Tambour (44 mm)
• Steel case with push buttons and crown overmolded in black natural rubber
• Navy blue sunray dial with the LV Cup logo
• Navy blue alligator strap and a second strap in natural rubber provided with the watch
• Watertight to 100 meters
• Anti-reflective sapphire glass and sapphire base revealing the oscillating weight
• Functions: Regatta with a 5-minute countdown and flyback system
• Self-winding Dubois-Depraz movement, LV 138 calibre
• 42-hr power reserve

The Tambour LV Cup Automatic Countdown will be available June 2012 in Louis Vuitton stores.

Images via Louis Vuitton

Whether sailing enthusiasts or simply attracted to a nautical style, men will be drawn to the highly comprehensive range of accessories designed to accompany them in their everyday life or their leisure. The inoculars with Carl Zeiss optical lenses recreate an outstanding image and brilliant colours. Two pairs of glasses complete the collection. The first model, rendered in carbon which is light and strong, is designed to adapt to the morphology of the individual thanks to a unique nose-hinge system of unparalleled comfort. The lenses are specially treated and are at once polarizing (to reduce dazzle), photochromic (to adjust shade according to luminosity), non-reflecting and oleophobic (anti-water marks or finger marks). The second model of glasses, easy to wear on all occasions, has a light and flexible plastic structure, while guaranteeing comfort thanks to its adjustable nose. On this model, the lenses are also treated so they are non-reflecting and oleophobic.

Louis Vuitton LV Cup Rubber Technical Binoculars

Louis Vuitton LV Cup Binoculars Case

Louis Vuitton LV Cup Sunglasses in Fiberglass and Titanium

Louis Vuitton LV Cup Challenge Black Sunglasses

Louis Vuitton LV Cup Challenge White Sunglasses

Louis Vuitton LV Cup Nylon Cap in Navy and Orange

Louis Vuitton LV Cup Belt in Navy and Gray

Louis Vuitton LV Cup Tie in Red and Navy

Louis Vuitton LV Cup Damier Beach Towel in Printed Microfiber Custom Pouch

Images via Louis Vuitton