Its official Luxury’s back at LV!

Outrageously luxurious with a VIP apartment, a 'librairie' of limited edition art and art books, revolving handbag installations and artworks by all the big names, from Damien Hirst to Gilbert & George. This 15000 sq ft  temple of luxury designed by the New York Architect Peter Marino  reflects the 21st century mood of London...

 Louis Vuitton Bond Street Maison

After scathing criticism from dissatisfied customers worldwide on it’s customer care service and  let’s face it their service in general, it was with a heavy heart that I agreed to a friend’s request to pick up her tries chic  black Epi Leather bag from Louis Vuitton. Did I really want to subject myself to the non chalent indifference of snooty sales people? I grumbled grudgingly as i had already read comments about  badly behaved LV staff by other customers (click on links above), especially as this was also a repair issue one would be sure to receive even more attitude. Really I wasn’t in the mood to do battle with anybody right now I thought. Sighing with the resignation of one that has been ill-used but with the maxim a friend in need is a friend indeed uppermost in my mind, I waved down a taxi which before I had any time to think any more dismal thoughts, deposited me outside the magnificent Louis Vuitton Emporium in Bond Street.

“Enjoy your shopping luv” said the taxi driver chirpily. Thanks I replied wearily and turned round to push the heavy glass doors. But before I had even touched it, the door was opened swiftly by a smart security man who greeted me warmly and as if on cue a sales assistant stepped forward to greet me with an even warmer welcome, you know the kind you reserve for long lost friends. I was alarmed. ‘Am I in the right place? Is this Louis Vuitton? What’s happening???  This unexpected politeness had rather taken me aback. Though I was pleasantly surprised, I wasn’t ready to drop my guard just yet. “How can I help you?” Said the sales assistant or at least something to that effect, I wasn’t quite paying attention as I was still trying to recover from the shock of the pleasant attention.  She was still smiling, when I told her that I had come to pick up a bag that had been repaired and directed me to go upstairs to the first floor.

Glass Staircase. © Stéphane Muratet / Louis Vuitton

It appears that not only have Louis Vuitton upgraded their manners; they have also upgraded their appearance to match.  I have to say that the journey up the stairs to the first floor was a visual delight.  Each step was composed of a visual light display of the iconic Takashi Murukam  LV design. The ascending wall connecting the steps was a tactile triumph, a curtain wall of gold LV logos that just took my breath away. It made me stop in my tracks. I defy anybody to go up those stairs without stopping to touch the curtain wall. Needless to say the journey to the first floor took quite some time as I lingered on every step absorbing the beautiful aura. When I finally reached the first floor I was greeted by another smiling assistant who when I told her that I had come to pick a bag that had been repaired , quickly without any fuss or expression of irritation directed me to the section for repairs. Now I have noted the attitude because my extensive shopping experience has shown that once sales assistants know you have come for repairs their interest in you immediately goes cold (as in this is a spent sale nothing to gain here) and it usually shows in their eyes and attitude.  

However not in this case I was ushered into what I can only describe as an inner sanctum of hushed lux, and politely asked to wait a moment while they called the person in charge. The room was designed to the last inch exuding an aura of reverential silence. No raised altercations here, only dignified discussion. It reminded me of the interior of one of those designer yachts, soothingly expensive. The walls were lined with black and white and sepia photographs of Louis Vuitton history and memorabilia. On a wafer thin plasma screen behind the desk in front of me was a sort of glossy rolling documentary showing, the factories, the staff and how some key LV pieces were made. I was riveted! (Excuse the pun).  I had no idea that so much of it was done by hand.  The attention to detail is astounding.  I have a full set of LV hard back luggage, (yes; including the vanity case, stacked just like you see in the promotional ads), hold-alls, rollers, bags and many other smaller pieces collected over many years, however this experience has definitely given me greater respect for what I have.

Bag Bar. © Stéphane Muratet / Louis Vuitton

The true value of a luxury item is quantified by the amount of work required to produce it, the materials used and that certain je ne sais quoi, that sense of special luxurious feeling it invokes. All three must be present; could cashmere be anything other than a luxury item? I think not. The service given to you when you receive it makes it feel softer and more luxurious.You know luxury when you see and more importantly feel it. I definitely felt I was sitting in and being presented with luxury.

The young man in charge finally came in, looked up the details, went to collect the bag, placed it into a new cloth bag and deposited it in a carrier bag. Everything was over in less than five minutes, much to my dismay. I would have loved to have lingered a little longer in that oasis of beauty and calm. When I asked if there was a repair charge a mild expression of disapproval momentarily clouded his face before he politely said with a smile ‘Not all Madam”

I’m thinking that my love affair with Louis may have started all over again.  

www.u-wantit.com believe everybody should have a taste of luxury. We also understand that not buying something doesn’t always mean you don’t want it. It just means you are a careful and responsible person who has other pressing considerations that take priority over your immediate desires. We know the sacrifice you make which is why we are giving you the opportunity to treat yourself to a few great timeless Louis Vuitton classic collectables at a price you can afford. All products are original. Somebody will get it, so why can’t it be You?