The Vuitton Garden

(NEW YORK) Runway shows and trunk shows are no new thing, but leave it to Louis Vuitton to launch its 2010 Cruise collection with a bona-fide production--A-list host, major department store, over-the-top concept, check, check, check. On Tuesday evening, Louis Vuitton North America president and CEO Daniel Lalonde, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Saks' chairman and CEO Steve Sadove will reveal Le Jardin Louis Vuitton; the newly-renovated third floor of Saks will be transformed into a garden, with various vignettes featuring the long history of LV. A jewelry display, a Louis Vuitton Damier lawn, a historical hedge, and French artisans from the Vuitton workshop in France will all have their places on the floor, along with a "wishing tree" where guests will be asked "Where will your journey take you?" A collection of the answers will be incorporated into the display windows at Louis Vuitton Fifth Avenue starting December 1.

The elaborate garden party will culminate in the new Vuitton boutique, the first location within a leased department store to carry women's ready-to-wear collection and the first women's concept store in North America. In conjunction with the event, Louis Vuitton will make a donation to the charity Partners in Heath. We expect Marc might pop by for the fête, and Serena Williams is also expected to attend and peruse the collection.