PARIS, 2016-May-20 — /EPR Retail News/ — Les Journées Particulières is a resolutely European event, proposing visits to LVMH Houses in France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Poland and Switzerland. Spotlight on exceptional sites open for the first time for visits without reservations in Italy and the UK.
Italy
A deep tradition of excellence, creativity, innovation and heritage are all themes with powerful resonance in Italy, where the Journées Particulières agenda this year includes exclusive visits to rarely seen LVMH Houses.
In Rome, visitors have a chance to tour the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, a striking architectural creation built in 1937 and now the headquarters of Fendi. Known as the Colosseo Quadrato, the building is instantly recognizable with its square shape and 260 arches on eight levels. While it has never been open to the public, it is nevertheless well-known, having appeared in countless movies by leading Italian directors. After completely renovating the building in 2015, Fendi has moved its worldwide headquarters and historic fur workshop there. The Journées Particulières offers a unique opportunity to discover a Roman icon and the prestigious Italian house.
The Piedmont region in the foothills of the Italian Alps is home to the Loro Piana spinning mill in Roccapietra, built in 1995. Emblematic of the House’s special relationship with nature, the building is nestled in a valley with a façade inspired by the stones and rocks of the rivers around it. Large bay windows bathe the interior in natural daylight, creating an exceptional working environment where each day the noblest raw materials to be found in the world are transformed into the finest fabrics such as vicuña from the Andes, cashmere, baby cashmere and merino wool.
In Ferrara, visitors are invited to discover the Berluti shoes and leather goods production site, inaugurated in January 2015. The 8,000-square-meter workshop supports the dynamic development of the House, which has been present since 1993 in a region known for excellence in men’s footwear. While machines are used for some steps in the manufacturing process, the emphasis here is on hand-crafted work by skilled artisans. Here, every stage in development from prototypes to manufacturing comes together in a single building.
Other sites are also open without reservation in Italy: Palazzo Fendi, the historic Bulgari store and the Acqua Di Parma store in Rome, as well as theLouis Vuitton shoes factory in Fiesso d’Artico and Pucci’s Villa di Granaiolo.
United Kingdom
A highlight of this third edition of Les Journées Particulières is the participation of several LVMH Houses in Britain, notably in London, which reclaims its reputation as a major European capital of style and artisanal excellence.
Visitors can discover the flagship Nicholas Kirkwood boutique, opened in 2011 in a historic building on Mount Street, a striking choice for one of the most audacious designers of his generation. Throughout Les Journées Particulières, visitors can discover the amazing savoir-faire that goes into each model. What’s more, owners of Nicholas Kirkwood shoes can bring them in to have them monogrammed by an artist. They can also create their very own version of the Beya loafer using a new personalization app.
Located in the heart of the Mayfair district at 15 St. George Street, LVMH House is a striking 18th century building with characteristic Londonian architecture. The site, which hosts training for senior leaders from LVMH and its Houses, will be open to the public during the event. In addition to a presentation of the history of LVMH, visitors can enjoy an exclusive exhibition and video projections.
The Thomas Pink boutique is a highlight of Les Journées Particulières in London. Visitors will also want to discover the Glenmorangie distillery in Scotland. Both are open without reservation, subject to availability.
For the complete program of Les Journées Particulières, click here.
