The green movement hasn't always been associated with luxury shopping, but that is about to change. Louis Vuitton's latest Japanese flagship, a futuristic 10-story structure designed by the Dutch architecture firm UNStudio and slated to open in 2010 in Tokyo's Ginza neighborhood, will utilize natural ventilation and light and include open-air terraces to reinforce the building's green spirit. The design takes its cues from the leaf, which is the model for the floor plan, and was devised to accommodate not only a store but also a Louis Vuitton café, a spa, a bookshop and a gallery that will host art exhibits.
A complete guide to the people, places and products that are changing our perception of luxury while influencing and inspiring savvy consumers around the world
By Leah Bourne, Betsy Kroll, Paige Reddinger and Kristina Zimbalist