Vacant real estate is a rare thing to see on Queen Street Mall, with prime frontages often snatched up as soon as they become available. There’s been a lot of talk surrounding what was to fill the empty space at the base of the old National Australia Bank building at 180 Queen Street (previously the long-time home of Country Road), and now we can reveal what sits behind the elegant Classical Revival-style sandstone facade. Louis Vuitton, one of the world’s most esteemed luxury fashion brands, has claimed the site for its new flagship, expanding over three levels to house its range of clothing, accessories, watches and jewellery, fragrances and Objets Nomades – a collection of experimental yet functional furniture pieces made in collaboration with celebrated designers.

When it comes to the interior, the Brisbane team has taken inspiration from the old bank’s heritage-listed surroundings, while also paying homage to the timeless aesthetic first captured at Louis Vuitton’s Place Vendome store in Paris. The Brisbane site uses light woods, tonal colours and special light fixtures to anchor the design connection to the historical building and highlight key features. The ground floor is dedicated to womenswear, while basement level – once home to bank vaults – is given over to menswear. A mezzanine level houses houses two salons for private appointments as well as a gallery space showcasing rotating works from artists from China Heights Gallery in Surry Hills. These same artists are adding their signature touch to the store itself, with decorative artworks and furniture from the likes of Otis Hope Carey, Edward Linacre, George Hall, Khai Liew and Gustave Xavier featuring around the space.

Louis Vuitton’s new store is now open seven days a week from 10:00 am.