Here’s What We Know About Takashi Murakami’s Louis Vuitton Re-edition Collection
Takashi Murakami’s playful yet profound artistry returns to Louis Vuitton, blending nostalgia with bold innovation in a re-edition that’s rewriting fashion history
Words Mika Reyes
Photos Louis Vuitton
January 2, 2025
Zendaya in Louis Vuitton x Murakami collection.
In fashion and in art, only a few names command the kind of instant recognition that Takashi Murakami does. The Japanese artist, whose iconic smiling flowers and surreal creatures have graced everything from museum walls to high-end handbags, is once again making waves with Louis Vuitton. Nearly two decades after their groundbreaking 2003 collaboration, Murakami and the legendary fashion house are reuniting for a re-edition collection that promises to be as bold and whimsical as its predecessor.
A Full-Circle Moment
Murakami’s original collaboration with Louis Vuitton, under the creative helm of Marc Jacobs, was a seismic shift in the early 2000s fashion landscape. By reimagining Louis Vuitton’s signature monogram with rainbow hues, playful pandas, and cartoon-like creatures, Murakami blurred the lines between luxury and pop culture. It was an era-defining moment that elevated "kawaii" from a niche Japanese aesthetic to a global phenomenon.
Fast forward to today, and the re-edition collection serves as both a tribute and an evolution. This time, Murakami’s beloved characters return on classic LV silhouettes, including the Pochette and Speedy, alongside fresh additions like skateboard decks and ribbon-shaped bag charms. The Y2K nostalgia is unmistakable, with elements like a chic pet carrier nodding to the era of portable chihuahuas and playful accessories.
The Zendaya Effect
What truly sets this collection apart is the star power behind it. Louis Vuitton ambassador Zendaya, a fashion icon in her own right, is fronting the campaign. Her presence, Murakami notes, brings an entirely new energy to the collaboration. Initially envisioned as a modest capsule collection, the project expanded significantly after Zendaya joined, proving her influence is as magnetic as the artist’s designs.
Behind the scenes, the synergy between Murakami’s art and Zendaya’s modern allure feels like a masterstroke in storytelling. The timeless appeal of the Murakami and Louis Vuitton collaboration meets the exuberance of a new generation with their incredible new platform.
Revisiting the Superflat Universe
As part of the re-edition, Murakami has also reimagined Superflat Monogram, his animated short film that accompanied the 2003 collection. The remastered version dives back into a psychedelic wonderland, featuring a schoolgirl protagonist and a fantastical journey into Louis Vuitton’s surreal world. “I wanted to create a story about kids entering the world of LV,” says Murakami in a press interview for the release. “Now, those kids are grown up, but the wonder remains.”
This duality—innocence intertwined with complexity—is emblematic of Murakami’s ethos. His designs are a blend of light and dark, joy and chaos. The rainbow flowers that once symbolized hope for post-war Japan remain, but their undertones of resilience and depth make them just as relevant today.
Murakami’s Ever-Evolving Vision
At 62, Murakami shows no signs of slowing down. With a curious, childlike perspective that belies his years, he embraces new technologies and challenges. “The world is a mess, full of desires. Kids understand that,” he says, reflecting on the darker edges of his work. It’s this balance of optimism and realism that keeps his art, and by extension his collaborations, perpetually found in all the media he has touched.
And while AI and other technologies may loom over the creative industry, Murakami sees it differently. The acclaimed artist finds the technological hack to be a tool for reinvention. Whether it’s composing music or dreaming up fantastical characters, his approach is one of adaptability and excitement—a lesson for artists navigating the changing tides of creativity.
A Legacy in Bloom
As Murakami himself puts it, the re-edition collection is about nostalgia and continuity. The children who once admired his work on Louis Vuitton bags in 2003 are now adults, rediscovering that same joy through a modern lens. And Murakami? He insists he’s never quite grown up.
With this latest collaboration, Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami invite us to revisit a world of playful elegance and boundless imagination. For fans old and new, it’s a reminder that true artistry is timeless, and a bit of fun can go a long way in redefining luxury.
