This winter, Louis Vuitton is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its first collaboration with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami with a prismatic re-edition. The new Louis Vuitton x Murakami is a contemporary re-imagining that invokes the magic and mystery of the original, must-have, incredibly popular series. Present in over 200 treasures is time-honored craftsmanship and a seamless use of technology, offering collectors and art lovers alike a refreshed voyage into a bountiful, shared creative universe.
“Chapter One” of this collection unfolds this month, embracing an immersive advertising campaign, boutique window displays, in-store experiences, pop-ups, and more. An abundant “Chapter Two” series will bloom in the spring, enhanced by Murakami’s signature Cherry Blossoms.
Louis Vuitton x Murakami; Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
Louis Vuitton x Murakami; Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
Evolving the Louis Vuitton x Murakami First Launch Under Marc Jacobs
Louis Vuitton x Murakami’s inaugural partnership was sparked under the house’s previous Artistic Director, Marc Jacobs. Murakami’s imaginative and iconic merging of Japanese kawaii protagonists, sci-fi, anime, and more in a variety of disciplines such as sculpture, painting, and film, proved heavenly as the first reinterpretation of Louis Vuitton’s emblematic pattern. Today, this aesthetic symphony evolves into an awe-inspiring myriad of women’s accessories and leather goods, including perfumes, sunglasses, silk scarves, City Bags, and jewelry.
Louis Vuitton x Murakami; Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
Louis Vuitton x Murakami; Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
New Louis Vuitton Monogram Multicolore Iterations
170 pieces shine within the “Chapter One” launch, with unique additions such as a decadent skateboard and bespoke Malle Wardrobe of 33 Speedy bags. The masterful use of leading-edge technology cascades throughout the new, ethereal collection, results in kaleidoscopic hues and supreme clarity in the artist’s beguiling characters and concepts.
Standout pieces like the Monogram Multicolore dazzle by way of interlocking floral and LV motifs in 33 luminous shades. City bags including The Dauphine Soft, The OnTheGo, The Venice, The Speedy 25, and The Alma BB radiate with this design across a pristine white background. This imaginative movement continues in small leather goods like The Vanity Pouch, The Nano Diane, and The Nano Speedy, as well as in singular trunks, wallets, belts, and much more.
Louis Vuitton x Murakami; Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
Takashi Murakami Icons on Louis Vuitton Bags and More
Re-discover Murakami’s playful Superflat Panda icon in the lush and soft blue OnTheGo PM Chain and Alba BB bags, the chic black Zippy wallet, and the Couv Passeport of quintessential Monogram. The darling character also pops up on Keepall 45 and the Mini Square Trunk travel bags, an ebony skateboard, and a Porte Clés Panda keyring.
In captivating addition, an assortment of come hither perfumes arise from Louis Vuitton x Murakami synergy. Superflat Garden and Superflat Panda court Attrape-Rêves and Imagination bottles—with sculptural packaging. A conversation-starting travel case and angelic fragrance trunk with Monogram Multicolore on crisp white canvas kindle early Valentine’s Day gifting dreams.
LV x M Soho Pop-Up; Courtesy of Louis Vuitton, Photographer Brad Dickson.
A Louis Vuitton x Murakami Pop-Up Debuts in New York
Commencing the new year with one-of-a-kind charm, Louis Vuitton x Murakami raises the curtain on a January pop-up store in New York’s Soho neighborhood. Conjuring the sculpturesque design of Tokyo hotels, a minimalist journey of diverse realms beckons guests further into the collaborative wonderland. “Chapter One” re-edition designs will be unearthed alongside an exhibition gallery of archival masterpieces derived from the debut collection.
Visitors will embark upon a sweeping care station within the seasonal pop-up, tailor-made to serve the well-being of original pieces. Meanwhile, a delightful cafe allows for posh refreshments in sparkling beverages and exquisite baked goods. Travel downstairs to find a breathtaking cinema where two of Murakami’s Superflat movies will play in lively color; the now digitally enhanced films debuted within the 2003 collaboration, beautifully melding the past, present, and future of Louis Vuitton x Murakami.
Louis Vuitton x Murakami Soho Pop-Up; Photo by Brad Dickson, Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
