Jun Aoki's Louis Vuitton Beijing flagship merges scholar's rock aesthetics with fashion design
In Beijing's retail hub, Jun Aoki & Associates has finalized the Maison Louis Vuitton Sanlitun. This four-story structure boasts a facade made of dichroic mirrors that produce a dynamic color-changing effect. Architect Jun Aoki was influenced by the Tahihu Stone and a garment designed by Nicolas Ghesquière for Louis Vuitton's Women's Spring–Summer 2016 collection. The design reflects characteristics of scholar's rocks and features a double-layered facade composed of 315 hand-curved glass pieces. Within the store, Louis Vuitton's collections are displayed over four levels, highlighted by a central atrium that allows natural light. Notably, the top floor houses Beijing's inaugural Louis Vuitton cafe, crafted in collaboration with Barcelona's Astet Studio. This endeavor signifies a 25-year partnership between Aoki and Louis Vuitton.
Key facts
- Jun Aoki & Associates designed the Maison Louis Vuitton Sanlitun in Beijing.
- The building is located in the Sanlitun shopping district.
- The facade uses dichroic mirrors and 315 hand-curved glass pieces.
- Design inspiration came from Chinese scholar's rocks (gongshi) and a Nicolas Ghesquière dress.
- The four-story store houses Louis Vuitton's complete collections and a cafe.
- The top-floor cafe is Louis Vuitton's first in Beijing.
- Jun Aoki has collaborated with Louis Vuitton for 25 years.
- Computer technology was crucial for developing the complex curved surfaces.
Entities
Artists
- Jun Aoki
- Nicolas Ghesquière
Institutions
- Jun Aoki & Associates
- Louis Vuitton
- Astet Studio
- Dezeen
Locations
- Beijing
- China
- Sanlitun
- Barcelona
- Spain
- Tokyo
- Japan
- Osaka