In the Maison

Susie excitedly filming the outside of Louis Vuitton's Maison on New Bond Street.

Now, I'm certainly not the Louis Vuitton don, not by any stretch of the imagination but it is impossible not to swept away by the New Bond Street Maison. New Bond Street has been at the heart of Louis Vuitton's presence in London sine it first opened its doors here 1900. One hundred and ten years on at the label has unveiled a new home. The Maison is the home of a collector. A collector who loves only the best and the rarest. The store has been billed as the most luxurious Louis Vuitton store to date and who could disagree? Designed by architect Peter Marino it features special products, vintage pieces and artwork all on one of London’s premier shopping streets. Marino has managed to make the space feel exceptionally luxurious, both open, light and welcoming but at the same time intimate. Once inside the impressive three-floor, fifteen thousand square foot space it is difficult not to come over a little Kanyeezy. Now, Susie has gone in to some depth (with the help of my photography) on the first two floors so I'd like to take your hand and lead you down a level if I may...

The Club area.

The lower ground floor is home to the aptly named men's universe. Stepping inside here, the recession seems like something that happened a long, long time ago. In the centre of it all is the men's club area with sofas and displays of high end ready to wear, where customers and their guests an relax, watched over by Gilbert & Geroge's ceiling high artwork. It really is a different universe...

For SS10, Paul Helbers looked to the hustle and bustle of New York City for inspiration. The designer referred to his show models as “gentlemen butterflies,” who flexed their biker biceps in ultra light clothes where futurism and functionality were fused with eye poppingly bright colours. Yellow, orange and white made for one of the most summery collections of Paris before a more sedate colour palette of mauve, taupe, maroon and grey took over. Smart sportswear was the name of the game and it was great to finally inspect the collection in person.

My eyes were certainly drawn to the colourful rails.

I love the more sedate palette and subtle prints on show on this rail

Smart sportswear is key to the line

The full menswear offering is available for the first time London: from the elegant ready to wear line designed by Paul Helbers to the alluring array of bags, luggage, shoes and all accessories imaginable. Below are just a few flights of fancy that aught my eye...

This cabinet contained so much luxurious treasure.

Luxury and timepieces go hand in hand.

If only I were filthy rich...

If you look closely you an see my reflection in these lace ups. I'd like to be able to do that in every single pair of my shoes. These Butterfly Richelieu in Metalised calf leather remind me that I must get polishing!

Imola Mocassin in suede calf leather.

Herald Richelieu

These hi tops are quite something.

Oh Luggage and shoes

Is it possible to have fancier shoes than these Butterfly Richelieu in sequin-embroidered fabric? I think not.

This luxurious, multi level space, with its labyrinth of accessory filled nooks and crannies and a series of generously-proportioned areas dedicated to every conceivable Louis Vuitton product makes an arresting addition to this chic corner of Mayfair. All Louis Vuitton fans will leave the Maison satisfied and it might just spark the inner Kanyeezy in a few non believers like myself.