It’s official: on 11th May, Levi’s new boutique on the Champs Elysées in Paris will open to customers, with the official opening scheduled for 10th May. The opening marks the end of a long process which saw its fair share of pitfalls, from finding the right location to obtaining the authorities’ permission.

But that’s all old news now. As of 11th May Paris will welcome the legendary brand’s largest store after the one on Regent Street in London. The store spans 7,000 square feet and is spread over three levels with an admittedly complicated layout. Behind the design of the store is the French firm, REV Architecture (Cristiano Benzoni and Sophie Thuillier).

The new Levi’s store is next to the entrance to Les Arcades des Champs Elysées

Previously occupied mainly by small cinemas and cabarets, the historic character of the building led the brand to open up the space by knocking down the internal walls. The main retail space is located on the lower ground floor: customers are welcomed into a large, open space and encouraged to go downstairs by a magnificent staircase.

The majority of the retail space is situated on the lower ground floor

The lower ground floor is home to the Levi’s Curve ID, Levi’s WaterLess and 501 collections, Trucker jackets, dresses and graphic T-shirts. New collections, the range of shoes and an area especially for the Levi’s Made & Crafted collection, are also to be found on the lower ground floor, with as a backdrop an impressive 30 foot image of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, echoing the brand’s history. The image will be changed regularly to create a dynamic space in constant evolution. Finally, large chandeliers made out of vintage lamps are the spectacular focal points in the main retail spaces.

From the lower ground floor, an escalator takes customers straight up to the first floor, passing by images of some of the brand’s most emblematic advertising campaigns which adorn the walls.

The first floor is the setting for the Levi’s Vintage Clothing collection and the Tailor Shop workshop. Putting first the brand’s authentic know-how, Tailor Shop gives customers the chance to have their favourite items altered and customized by a team of specialist seamstresses. There are only four of these Tailor Shop workshops in the world, now in Paris and also in New York (Meatpacking), San Francisco (Union Square) and London (Regent Street).

A huge escalator links the lower ground floor and the first floor

Levi’s also wants this new store to represent their artistic statement. At the grand opening on 10th May guests will be treated to a Franco-American music concert. On 14th June, a second artistic collaboration will take the stage. Limited edition jackets and T-shirts from the collaborations will be available.

Last but not least, the new store on the Champs Elysées will be open seven days a week from 10am to 10pm, except for Sundays when it will close at 9pm. The Champs Elysées are after all, and quite rightly so, known to be a Mecca for tourists.