Page 54 - S Winter 2025

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North Star A new era of opulence unfolds in Canada with
Louis Vuitton’s Toronto runway show, city guide,
and boutique opening in Montreal.
By Caelan McMichael
Photography by Jorian Charlton
Photo Assistant: Sloane Bartley
L ouis Vuitton is having quite the love affair with
Canada at the moment. From a newly released
Toronto city guide to its first Canadian runway show,
and an inaugural free-standing store in Montreal, the
brand is making strides in an unstoppable way.
This surge in momentum is garnering ample
excitement for what’s to come next for the brand
in Canada. So far, there is a tasteful synergy between
traditional brand elements and Canadian touches, a
colliding of worlds that unlocks the beginning of a new
chapter in luxury fashion—inviting loyal customers and newcomers to explore
Louis Vuitton’s offerings.
As Louis Vuitton continues to weave its narrative into the Canadian
landscape, the brand’s first runway show in Canada is undoubtedly at the top
of the list for discussion. Held at the iconic Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto,
Louis Vuitton presented a trunk show for the Women’s Fall/Winter 2024
collection, marking the 10th anniversary of Nicolas Ghesquière’s role as
artistic director of women’s collections.
Originally unveiled in Paris at the Cour Carrée at the Louvre, the collection
was reimagined in Toronto. Blending brand history with innovation, it thrived
amidst the flurry of downtown energy. The parade of clothing offered the
house’s signature of skilled craftsmanship alongside statement pieces with
dimensional layers, bold textures, and heavy knits. The collection came alive in
the dynamic surroundings, harmonizing heritage with modern vibrancy.
To extend that love for the city even further, the Louis Vuitton city guide
collection added Toronto to the series. The guides are known for offering a
carefully curated selection of locations in print and digital versions—they’re
even accessible in a dedicated app that includes all the cities in the series, with
thousands of addresses updated regularly.
Penned by Claudia Dey—an acclaimed Canadian author and playwright
known for her evocative prose—alongside local guest contributors and authors
such as Isabel Slone, Vidal Wu, and Josh Greenblatt, the guide is packed
with a curated list of Toronto-centric experiences. From eateries, grocers,
and local bars to antique and design shops, museums, and hole-in-the-wall
spots, the guide presents a mosaic of offerings. Dey beautifully captures the
essence of Toronto, stating, “You can go from feeling like you’re in the guts
of Manhattan to feeling like you can walk aimlessly and lose yourself on the
island, in the ravine, by the lakeshore. The city still has its secrets.” The guide
is accompanied by photographs taken by Mat Jacob, a photographer from the
Tendance Floue collective.
Coinciding with the Toronto city guide and runway show, Louis Vuitton
also unveiled its first free-standing store in Montreal at Royalmount, the largest
private development in Quebec. This location is the most spacious Montreal
store to date, offering a comprehensive range of maison specialties, including
men’s and women’s accessories, leather goods, ready-to-wear, and footwear, in
addition to fine jewellery, fragrances, gifts, publications, and travel staples.
Since opening its first Montreal store in 1989, Louis Vuitton’s presence has
only strengthened, with the Royalmount location now serving as Canada’s
10th store. Inside, the warm and inviting interiors feature a two-toned
limestone facade referencing the maison’s signature Damier pattern, created
by Louis Vuitton himself in 1888. This unique architectural detail, the only
one of its kind in North America, tells a historical tale that envelops the space,
beautifully juxtaposed against bold contemporary artworks.
As Louis Vuitton continues to deepen its roots in Canada, this flourishing
relationship highlights its commitment to embracing local culture while
maintaining its rich heritage. With new store plans, captivating city guides,
and runway experiences, the brand is not just expanding its presence, but also
weaving itself into the vibrant tapestry of Canadian life.
Louis Vuitton City Guide Toronto, $42. Available at select Louis Vuitton stores
866.VUITTON and louisvuitton.com.