Louis Vuitton Express Paris – Shanghai Fashion Show

July 22, 2012 by J.T.

July 19th, 2012 - Bund promenade - Shanghai

On a quiet and cool evening along the Bund promenade, residents were astonished to see the ultra modern district of Lujiazui skyline overtaken by a giant, digital groom, waving to the crowd. After a few seconds, passerby’s puzzlement turned to smiles: the Louis Vuitton train had pulled into town.

From the Cour Carrée of the Louvre to shores of Shanghai, Louis Vuitton celebrated its spirit of travel (literally) by bringing the same Louis Vuitton Express train, models, makeup artists, and hairstylists that participated in its Fall 2012 show.

“For me, it’s like a present, in a diplomatic traditional way. We give a present to show our respect” said Marc Jacobs.

At 9pm, the LV Express made a stop on the Bund, its passengers disembarking just as they did on March 5th in Paris. Elegant models are alight descending from refined carriages, clad in elongated A-line silhouettes of richly layered and jewel-embellished clothing, each accompanied by exquisite suitcases, portmanteaux and handbags in a celebration of the House’s history, of elegance, creativity and of the Art of Travel.

Post-show, the after party moved attendees aboard the train, with a sizzlingly sensual performance by Lana Del Rey.

But this wasn’t the first stop on the Vuitton-China tour: the fashion powerhouse feted the opening of its 16th Maison the evening prior at Shanghai’s famous Plaza 66. For the occasion Christopher Zanardi-Landi, Executive Vice President of Louis Vuitton and Philippe Fortunato, President of Louis Vuitton China, hosted French, Chinese and international celebrities such as Alexa Chung, Alain Delon, Fan Bing Bing, Gong Li, Laetitia Casta and many more.

Guests were also invited to see the exhibition “Louis Vuitton Express” mounted inside the Plaza 66 shopping centre, which runs from July 18th to August 12th. It features 19th century travel-related articles and an exceptional collection of heritage pieces drawn from the extensive Vuitton archives.

Each Maison acts as an international celebration of Louis Vuitton style and elegance, bringing together all of the house’s expertise under one roof. Conceived as a travel destination in its own right, this new four-level Maison has been designed by architect and close friend to MJ, Peter Marino, who has brought new design elements and custom-made furniture together to create unique and innovative Louis Vuitton experience filled with surprising discoveries.

The Shanghai Maison is only the second of its kind in the world, after the London Maison, and features an apartment showcasing the house’s exceptional collections of ‘Haute Maroquinerie’ in a 4th-floor apartment, designed for total privacy.

Relive the Paris-Shanghai journey by train by visiting: www.louisvuittonexpress.com