The re-edition collection revives their iconic collaboration, giving us all the color, culture, and streetwear cred we never knew we needed
Two decades after Takashi Murakami and Louis Vuitton revolutionized the line of art and fashion, the duo is back with a re-edition collection. The original collaboration was a design experiment that became a cultural phenomenon. It transformed the LV Monogram into a kaleidoscope of playful motifs, embedding the Japanese artist’s Superflat aesthetic into the DNA of a heritage brand. With more than 200 creations, this re-edition showcases Louis Vuitton’s unmatched skill to merge whimsy and luxury, always moving ahead of trends while remaining entrenched in its storied travel codes.
RELATED: The Exact Louis Vuitton Pieces Worn by Stylish Personalities at MEGA’s Fashion Soirée
The Art of Whimsy
Murakami’s colorful world of pandas, cherry blossoms, and smiley flowers may seem lighthearted at first glance, but it represents a fusion of anime, Japanese family crests, and historical art forms.
When Marc Jacobs, then-Louis Vuitton’s artistic director, first approached Murakami, he requested a simple refresh of the Monogram.
But as Murakami revealed, “Midway through, Marc himself drew a sketch and copied a panda that appeared in my work. That’s how my own characters emerged inside of Louis Vuitton.” What began as a reinterpretation of the Monogram evolved into a playful yet profound statement about luxury in the digital age.
This collaboration echoes Louis Vuitton’s recent partnerships with other Asian artists, such as Chinese artist Sun Yitian, whose surreal animal motifs graced the Pre-Fall 2024 collection. These collaborations inject an almost eccentric energy into the house, mirroring the audacious spirit of designers like Rei Kawakubo of Commes Des Garcon. Yet, beneath these visuals lies a sophisticated craftsmanship, a hallmark of Louis Vuitton.
A Streetwear Revolution and Artistic Evolution
Louis Vuitton’s foray into streetwear is legendary, with the 2017 Supreme collaboration setting the standard for high-low partnerships. The Murakami re-edition is another nod to this streetwise sensibility, appealing to a younger generation that reveres the brand as much for its cultural relevance as its luxury credentials.
Murakami credits the collaboration’s longevity to this enduring streetwear appeal: “It’s thanks to the hip-hop artists who continue to love my collaboration with Louis Vuitton. That made it a very good timing to refresh it.” Indeed, Murakami’s designs have become staples not just in galleries, but in music videos and social media feeds, crossing cultural boundaries with ease.
But Louis Vuitton’s artistic reach doesn’t stop at streetwear. From Jeff Koons’ homage to art history to Pharrell Williams’ humanistic menswear collections, the fashion house constantly explores the intersection of art, culture, and fashion. With Nicolas Ghesquière helming womenswear for over a decade, Louis Vuitton has maintained a remarkable consistency in a time when many luxury houses are plagued by revolving creative directors.
Classics Never Fade
In revisiting their collaboration, Louis Vuitton and Murakami have harnessed cutting-edge technology to elevate the original designs.
Murakami notes, “The very first theme that Louis Vuitton requested was for me to renew the House’s Monogram based on Japanese family crests. At the time, I studied a lot about the context of Japanese family crests. Perhaps it’s only logical that Japanese people end up loving the result.” This sense of cultural reverence, paired with technological advancements, ensures the re-edition feels somewhat new.
“Louis Vuitton always does everything on this large, grandiose scale, so that’s fun for me.”
– Takashi Murakami on collaborating with Louis Vuitton again
The collection includes everything from purses to perfume bottles, from the famous Multicolore Monogram to the restored Cherry Blossom motif. It’s an acknowledgment of craftsmanship and the long-lasting relationship between a historic brand and a visionary artist.
A Legacy Renewed
Reflecting on the collaboration’s impact, Murakami mused, “Last time, I thought about the future, which is basically now. I hope these characters will be passed on to the children this time as well, and that they’ll still be cherished 20 or 30 years from now.” This sentiment underscores the timelessness of the collaboration, how Louis Vuitton and Murakami craft cultural artifacts.
As fashion houses grapple with staying relevant atop fleeting trends, Louis Vuitton shows that true innovation lies in its capacity to take risks while staying true to who they are. No matter streetwear, high art, or whimsical collaborations, the House continues to set the standard for luxury, a rather sartorial information that great design—and great storytelling—transcends generations.
Photos: LOUIS VUITTON PHILIPPINES
