The monogrammed megabrand that is Louis Vuitton opened  its new Toronto location, last month, revealing a palatial space three times as big as its last at 150 Bloor Street West, and a particularly art-focused agenda.

Within architect Peter Marino's shimmering two-floor glass-and-steel mecca (which houses the full sweep of Vuitton merchandise, including unique LV + TO charm bracelets), a 5-piece Victorian porcelain group of statuettes stands apart. Canadian artist-of-the-moment, Shary Boyle (Canada's 2013 Venice Bienniale representative) was there to inaugurate "Buttermint Equilux, 2010-2012” as the first of what will be the boutique's rotating art installation. The space also features permanent pieces by Canadian James Nizan.

The intimate gathering of Louis Vuitton clients and members of the arts and fashion communities spoke to what the new Louis Vuitton Maison is all about: art meeting fashion. Designer Jeremy Laing and husband Frank Griggs (a transplanted NY designer and musician) took in the Nizan paintings, while Scrap Metal gallerist and book dealer, Samara Walbohm, perused the purses. Jessica Bradley Inc. assistant director, Leah Turner, was also on deck.

Aside from its artistic focus, the palatial boutique is also unique for being only the second Louis Vuitton location elevated to the level of Maison (the first and only other being New York’s flagship at 57^th and 5^th). Sounds pretty haute to us.

See Fashion magazine's article here for original article.