This past week, Naples-based menswear label ISAIA brings its storied heritage of Italian tailoring to Beverly Hills. This is the first U.S. shop with plans to open a second location on Madison Avenue in September with e-commerce to follow.
Continue reading “Neapolitan tailoring has arrived in Beverly Hills”
After a year-long renovation, the new Louis Vuitton store is now open. Designed by architect Peter Marino, notably known for creating the majority of luxury retail.
The newly imagined space strikes a head-turning presence, with wending stainless-steel and lacquered ivory “ribbons” outside of its first floor, an all-glass layer on its second, and a third floor tiled in sheer fabric panels, patterned in a brick-like formation and placed at random—a patchwork reminiscent of the swirling ’70s prints that were seen coming down the runway at the Spring/Summer 2015 ready-to-wear show.
“We’ve been a landmark destination in the neighborhood for more than 30 years. It’s important that this new store represents innovation, craftsmanship, superior quality and heritage.” – Anthony Ledru, President & CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas
Customization is king in luxury! The ground floor is occupied with an Haute Maroquinerie salon, one of only a handful of leather shops of its kind in the U.S. Here, monogramming and hard-sided luggage painting are on offer. On the second floor lies the men’s universe, complete with bespoke shoes and belts.
I have to say I was a bit disappointed about Louis Vuitton not sticking to the original plans for Rodeo Drive. When parent company LVMH purchased the Luxury Italian House Bvlgari, the company moved the Bvlgari store up the street into a newly designed store. The old Bvlgari store was right next door to Louis Vuitton.
Louis Vuitton was then going to occupy that entire block on Rodeo Drive, a dedicated Men’s and Women’s Store. It would have been the largest Louis Vuitton store combined. Making it the ultimate shopping destination for world class travelers.
Below is a rendering of the original plans. The facade of the Men’s store would have appeared to be a shade of brown. The Women’s store would have been the same as now.
295 N. Rodeo Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: 310‑859-0457
Walk by the four-floor flagship boutique, including the VIP room, on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and you will see how packed the Chanel store is with tourist and locals. As a result of demand, the French giant purchased the Lladro building next door in 2013 and reportedly paid more $100 million for the 13,317-square-foot property.
Rumor has it that Chanel will transform its existing location into a dedicated Watches & Fine Jewelry boutique. The Lladro building will feature Women’s ready-to-wear, footwear, leather goods and fashion accessories. Also, it will feature for the first time a full collection of Men’s products. Two buildings combine will it be the largest Chanel Boutique in the world.
However, Chanel has not yet begun construction on its reported expansion.
It had also been said that Chanel will occupy the former Bebe space for 2-3 years during the renovation. That will definitely be a challenge for the company and employees of the store to operate efficiently in a space about half their size now.
“Style is and everlasting impression and jewelry is a passion that is passed through generations.” -Nicola Bvlgari
ROBERT GUTIERREZ JR. 