From its inception, Zhangyuan has been marked by a distinct blend of Chinese and Western cultural influences, Andrew Wu, president of LVMH Greater China, said on opening day.
Zhang Shuhe was involved in modern shipping and trade, while Louis Vuitton, founded in 1854, began its brand story with travel and exploration. In September, 2004, Louis Vuitton became one of the first wholly foreign-owned enterprises in the country to obtain a retail business license. It opened its flagship store in Jing'an, Shanghai, and went on to lead and influence international peers. In June 2025, the maison sailed "The Louis", a ship-shaped structure, to Shanghai, near Zhangyuan, to celebrate the brand's spirit of travel and Shanghai's history as a port city.
"Shanghai has always been an important port for exchange and communication of both culture and commerce," said Wu.
"Over its 144-year history, Zhangyuan continues to embody a spirit of openness and inclusivity. This aligns perfectly with the purpose of the LVMH Les Journees Particulieres, which opens up the world of brand creation to the public," he said.
As AI rapidly reshapes every industry, the public exhibition, which brought together artisans from 15 maisons, offered a timely occasion to reflect on the meaning of craftsmanship — and why it matters.
