Louis Vuitton opens first U.S. chocolate shop featuring whimsical edible robot

Louis Vuitton has opened its first U.S. chocolate shop, Le Chocolat Maxime Frédéric, in Manhattan. This location is part of the brand's largest American store and features a café and chocolatier, following previous openings in Paris, Singapore, and Shanghai. Pastry chef Maxime Frédéric highlights a unique cacao supplier from the Dominican Republic for its intense flavors. The shop offers handmade confections, including intricately designed bonbons and chocolate bars featuring the brand's signature patterns. A standout item is the $350 Vivienne sur Malle, a whimsical chocolate sculpture of the brand's mascot that "dances" atop a miniature trunk. It took three months to perfect, showcasing the craftsmanship behind the creation.