Louis Vuitton transformed Saint-Germain-des-Prés store into a bookstore with writing room

 

Louis Vuitton enlivens Paris cultural scene with new luxury bookstore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Louis Vuitton transformed its Saint-Germain-des-Prés store into a bookstore this month. In addition to the entire
catalogue published by Editions Louis Vuitton – spanning lifestyle, fashion, photography, fine arts, architecture and design – the store features a selection of books curated with inspiration and engagement.

Louis Vuitton has been faithful since 1854 to the distinctive “art of travel” spirit invented by its founder, whose luggage, bags and accessories were as elegant as they were ingenious.

In keeping with this heritage, Louis Vuitton has always welcomed architects, designers and artists, and books have
played a prominent role in its history. An avid book lover with a special passion for art books and literature, Gaston-Louis Vuitton, the grandson of the founder, founded three bibliophile societies and corresponded extensively with publishers, illustrators and writers of his time. For writer customers with a penchant for travel, he designed library trunks, as well as clever cases for typewriters. And when he inaugurated the Louis Vuitton store on the Champs-Elysées in 1914, he opened a reading and correspondence room.

With a store in Paris’ celebrated Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood since 1995, Louis Vuitton is actively involved in the cultural life of the quarter, hosting book-signings by authors and providing support for literary prizes, including the Prix Françoise Sagan, which is partnered by the Maison. In 2012, to better meet the expectations of local clientele, Louis Vuitton expanded its historic store and opened a writing room, offering a selection including La Malle, a collection of works by eleven French writers, published by Gallimard.

Anchoring its Left Bank cultural roots, Louis Vuitton each year takes part in the Parcours Saint-Germain exhibition and conceives fine art books linked to its creations and activities. Produced by expert artisans and printshops, the works are released in conjunction with international publishers and include numbered limited editions signed by the artists.

Louis Vuitton has published its own catalogue of books for the past 20 years, counting over 100 titles in the City Guide, Travel Book and Fashion Eye collections. With a focus on travel, these works feature insider guides to cities, artist sketchbooks and photography books.