The trend toward larger designer store flagships continues with a new House of Dior opening in NYC on the corner of Madison Avenue and West 57th in NYC. Designed by legendary retail architect Peter Marino, the new space is close to 50,000 square feet over four floors and flanked with 20-foot-high glass. The new flagship includes a small restaurant and the first Dior spa in the US. It also houses two large VIP suites for Dior’s highest spending clients. 

Rather than large spaces, the new House of Dior is set up like a luxury residence with elegantly designed and furnished rooms that feature Dior’s various categories. Each room has its own unique design, including fixtures and seating areas along what architect Peter Marino calls a surprise element that distinguishes one room from the other. For example, a Colorama wall along the store’s staircase that illustrates Dior’s 75-year history.  

On the opposite side of the country LVMH Moet Hennessy announced plans to build a new flagship for its signature Louis Vuitton label on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills at a staggering 100,000 square feet. Aside from its mammoth size, the new Louis Vuitton location breaks new ground for flagship designer stores given its various amenities. The most significant being 55,000 square feet dedicated to hospitality that will include a 100-seat restaurant, private client lounges, and event space. The remaining 45,000 square feet will be for merchandise, representing a near threefold increase from Louis Vuitton’s current Beverly Hills location.

Another feature of the new three-story flagship is the rooftop garden. Although gardens have been a growing trend among new designer flagship construction, the Louis Vuitton Garden breaks new ground regarding its size, layout and composition of vegetation that will intermingle with a variety of water features and seating areas. A beverage bar will also be included along with light culinary items. 

The most dramatic feature of the new flagship may be the exterior. Designed by famed architect Frank Gehry, the design will mimic the Disney Concert Hall in neighboring downtown LA, likely becoming the most dramatically designed building in Beverly Hills once completed. Construction of the new Louis Vuitton flagship is expected to commence late this year with completion by the close of 2027.

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