LOUIS VUITTON GLOBAL STORE LAUNCH IN HONG KONG GATHERS ASIA'S GLAM SET
Women's Journal, March 13, 1999

Showbiz luminaries Sharon Cuneta and Aga Muhlach were two of Asia's most glamorous figures who attended the star-studded opening of Louis Vuitton New-Concept Store in Hong Kong, touted by social arbiters as the biggest social event ever held in Hong Kong in recent years.

Among the Filipinos who were present at the strictly-by-invitation affair were Atty. Francis Pangilinan, maverick couturier Rajo Laurel, social arbiter Maurice Arcache, society lensman Alex van Hagen, Bernie Concepcion, EVP and CEO of Swift Foods, Inc., and his wife Marilen.

Also present were young Cebuano businessman Gelo Serrano, fashion entrepreneur Ricco Ocampo and wife Tina Maristela Ocampo, and Hong Kong-based Filipina fashion model Joyce Orena.

Eight journalists from some of the country's more influential publications were in the official party. Gigi Mabanta, Louis Vuitton country manager Philippines, and Edd Fuentes, PR consultant for Louis Vuitton escorted the entire group of Filipinos.

The launching of the Louis Vuitton New-Concept Store was a beacon for the high-profile celebrities and prominent society figures from Paris, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Guam and the Philippines.

The very distinguished list of invitees included business tycoons, artists, fashion models, beauty title holders, entertainment iconz and editors from Asia's most influential publications, along with top regional television networks, including MTV Asia who joined the party with all their VJs in attendance.

In the new store, the guests were awed by the look that captured the traditional sophistication of the brand and its essence of modernity. Located in Hong Kong's prestigious Central district, the store showcases luxury in a refined and minimalist environment, all in a 6,600 square-foot area.

The ceremonial ribbon cutting was performed by top VIPs led by senior Louis Vuitton officers with Yves Carcelle, president of Louis Vuitton Malletier, at the helm. Joining him were Jean Marc Loubier, SVP for Marketing & Communications, LV Malletier; Michel Goemans, president, Louis Vuitton Pacific; and Serge Brunschwig, EVP, LV Pacific. International Chinese actors Tony Leung and Ms. Maggie Cheung joined them.

Designed by renowned American architect Peter Marino, the two-level emporium located at The Landmark on Pedder Street presents the entire range of Louis Vuitton creations, including the latest Louis Vuitton Pret-a-Porter and show collections designed by fashion luminary Marc Jacobs, the multi-awarded artistic director of Louis Vuitton.

The opening of the new store was marked by a fashion show featuring the Spring/Summer 1999 Collection of Marc Jacobs, Vuitton's artistic director. His creations were executed in classic lines and exuded classic elegance and excellent taste, making it popular especially among the jet-setting crowd.

A vacant warehouse was converted into a party club for all-night revelry, accommodating more than 200 guests who were awed by the high-tech display featuring Louis Vuitton products in glass showcases and even a conveyor belt.

The all-night party had an eclectic entertaining program, beginning with a stylish choreographed dance performance featuring Louis Vuitton products and showcasing Louis Vuitton's new selection of shoes.

The City Country Dance Company performed a tribal number. This was followed by Canto-Pop star Karen Mok who sang songs including Misty and My Funny Valentine. New York's celebrated DJ Geoff Gaines, was flown in to play dance music to a festive crowd, using a sound system that proved equal to the challenges of the techno music that pervaded the entire place.

The all-night-long entertainment featured different performances - from contortionists, live singers, dancers which included musclemen doing sexy numbers, and female impersonators. More than 600 bottles of Moet et Chandon were consumed, prompting the irrepressible Maurice Arcache to exclaim that champagne flowed like there was no tomorrow.

Several large buffet tables, each laden with different cuisine from Japanese food to French novel cuisine, were kept overflowing and were changed to a breakfast menu at four o'clock in the morning. While megastar Sharon Cuneta socialized till was past midnight, Aga partied with his friends till dawn, savoring the rare liberty of a night on the town minus fans and "star gazers."

In the Philippines, Louis Vuitton remains one of the strongest luxury brands. The Louis Vuitton store in the country is a haven for the Philippines' most recognizable names and faces who regularly shop at Louis Vuitton store located at the right corner wing of the ground floor of 6750 Ayala Avenue in Makati.