The world’s first Louis Vuitton cafe and restaurant have opened inside the stunning new Louis Vuitton Maison Osaka Midosuji in Japan. The store, which opened on February 1st, is the result of a long-standing relation between Jun Aoki and New York designer Peter Marino, reflecting Osaka’s heritage as Japan’s most-important port.
Inspired by sailing vessels, the store’s facade, designed by Aoki, resembles a floating ship with a light and airy white structure. To create a floating effect, Marino created wooden floors, wood-clad pillars and metal ceilings.
The very first Louis Vuitton café, in collaboration with celebrated chef Yosuke Suga. The café, amply named Le Café V, sits at the top level of the store which guards the secret entrance to Sungalabo V, Suga’s exclusive restaurant (known as one of the best in the world) that is also housed within the boutique. The beautiful architecture alone makes this a must-visit location for any fashion lover who finds themselves in Japan! Both the cafe and restaurant will include a menu designed by acclaimed Japanese Chef Yosuke Suga, once the protégé of the 32-Michelin star-earner Joël Robuchon.
Design details are similar to the original Tokyo Sugalabo, with an open kitchen, warm woods and sleek gadgets, but the rest of the design is distinctly LV. Tokujin Yoshioka designed original charger plates for the table settings – which inspired a variety of the restaurant’s crockery.
The launch of a Louis Vuitton cafe and restaurant follows similar forays into f&b by other luxury brands, including Tiffany & Co’s Blue Box Cafe, Armani Cafes and Ralph Lauren eateries.
