Two decades after their groundbreaking partnership, Louis Vuitton and worldwide famous Japanese artist Takashi Murakami reunited to celebrate their creative legacy with an exciting re-edition of their original collaboration. This highly anticipated project, titled Louis Vuitton x Murakami, is a vibrant fusion of art, fashion, and timeless craftsmanship. Showcasing over 200 unique creations, the collection reinterprets the iconic designs from their first venture.
Initiator of Superflat, a postmodern art movement, Takashi Murakami is famous for repackaging elements that are considered low or subcultural with a contemporary approach and presenting them in higher art market. He considers the flat and 2-dimensional imagery in manga and anime essential in Japanese art history. The rich use of color and the emphasis on surface undertones the postwar Japanese culture, in which the discrepancies in social class and popular taste have flattened, and the gap between “high” and “low” has narrowed.
Taking a fancy to Takashi Murakami’s prowess in blending traditional Japanese art with pop culture influence, Louis Vuitton first invited him to join force in 2023 under the artistic direction of Marc Jacobs. This collaboration revolutionized the fashion industry with its kaleidoscopic patterns and playful motifs, such as the Multicolor Monogram and Cherry Blossom designs, which became instant classics. The 2025 re-edition builds on this rich history, offering a modernized design on these beloved motifs with enhanced colors, refined details, and impeccable craftsmanship. The collection offers a diverse range of products, from the iconic City Bags and silk scarves to sunglasses, jewelry, shoes, and fragrances. The collection also introduces exclusive items, such as bespoke trunks, skateboards, and personalized fragrance cases, making it a treasure trove for collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike. On top of that, Murakami’s whimsical characters, including the beloved Superflat Panda, bring an element of playful nostalgia to the collection. These designs reflect the long-lasting appeal of the artist’s work and its seamless integration into Louis Vuitton’s luxurious legacy.
To celebrate the launch, Louis Vuitton is hosting a series of immersive events and pop-ups worldwide. The first chapter of the collection will debut on January 1, 2025, in Asia and globally on January 3. Here in Italy, Louis Vuitton plans on setting off two specially designed trams, one designed as traveling cinema while another is transformed into a literary café, to traverse the streets of Milan. Both tram cabins will be adorned with the Louis Vuitton x Murakami Collection’s signature designs, offering visitors an immersive journey into the vibrant world of Takashi Murakami. They will also transform the historic Spazio Etoile Cinema in Rome into a hub for fans to enjoy screenings of Murakami’s animated works, including the remastered iconic “Superflat Monogram” and “Superflat First Love” short films, which merges Louis Vuitton’s aesthetic with the artist’s imaginative universe.
This Louis Vuitton x Murakami re-edition is not just a tribute to past successes but a testament to the long-lasting partnership between Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami. The collection transcends time and trends, appealing to diverse generations and cultures. As Murakami himself remarked, “I hope these vibrant characters are cherished by children now, just as they were 20 years ago, and that they continue to captivate audiences for decades to come.”
