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Louis Vuitton, Takashi Murakami, and Their Enduring Collaboration

Multicolored motifs, cherry blossoms, and whimsical anime-inspired characters have defined the colorful partnership between the French fashion house and Japanese contemporary artist that first began in 2003.
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Louis Vuitton and renowned contemporary artist Takashi Murakami celebrate a re-edition of their iconic collaboration starring Zendaya. Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.

In the spring of 2003, Louis Vuitton orchestrated a project that would become a milestone in global fashion history. American designer Marc Jacobs, who served as the creative director for the French brand from 1997-2014, envisioned a groundbreaking collaboration long before such partnerships became common. He joined forces with renowned Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, who was acclaimed for his fun motifs, whimsical sculptures, and playful characters. Together, they launched a collection that would shape a decade and last a lifetime.

Left: The LV x TM Superflat Character Bandeau. Center: The LV x TM Bloom Superflat Key Holder. Right: The LV x TM Superflat Characters Skateboard. Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.

When the Spring/Summer 2003 collection debuted, Murakami's artistic vision transformed classic Louis Vuitton pieces into vibrant celebrations of color, blending delicate cherry blossoms that paid homage to his Japanese heritage with the longstanding legacy of the French brand. Reimagined with the artist's vibrant touch, the collection became one of the most sought-after luxury collaborations of the time. It even featured a redesign of Louis Vuitton's monogram, dubbed the Monograme Multicolore—the first-ever reworking of the house's emblem. Murakami's famous Superflat Panda character also made its way into the designs, featured in keychains, silk scarves, and sneakers, and many other pieces. In perhaps his boldest move, the artist swapped Louis Vuitton's traditional brown canvas with striking black and white leather goods.

Left: The LV x TM Malle Pyramid. Right: The LV x TM Rolling Trunk. Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton is ringing in 2025 with Chapter One of Louis Vuitton x Murakami. This new collection honors the longstanding legacy of the original collaboration. Featuring more than 170 pieces, the re-edition revives the vibrancy and playfulness of Murakami's creative mind. At its core, the collection highlights the iconic kaleidoscope Monogram Multicolore in greater definition than ever before, thanks to advances in technology that allow for a greater printed application. Enthusiasts and collectors will find Murakami's patterns adorning some of the brands most popular handbags, including the versatile CarryAll, the modern Coussin, the classic Speedy, and the practical OnTheGo. The collection extends beyond handbags, offering accessories ranging from belts and wallets to wedge espadrilles, the statement Rolling Trunk, and even a skateboard. For the first time ever, a selection of perfumes will undergo a Murakami takeover. The enchanted Superflat Garden—a whimsical motif of smiling flowers—and joyful Superflat Panda grace the "Attrape-Rêves" and "Imagination" perfume bottles and cylindrical packaging respectively, while a travel case and fragrance trunk feature the Monogram Multicolore on white canvas.    

Left: The LV x TM Coussin BB. Right: The LV x TM Capucines BB handbag. Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.

Murakami's artistry transformed early 2000s fashion, and the 2025 revival hopes to bring to light the ability to merge storied heritage with modernity, and further highlight the enduring stature of the collaboration. The edition will launch worldwide on January 3rd in a fully immersive visual landscape, ranging from window displays and pop-ups to in-store activations and a brand new campaign starring award-winning actress Zendaya, inviting a new generation to enjoy a collection that remains as covetable as it was back in the aughts. 


Louis Vuitton Titles

The Classics Collection Louis Vuitton Manufactures
Regular price
$140
The Classics Collection Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh (Classic Cartoon Cover)
Regular price
$140
The Ultimate Collection Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh (Ultimate Edition)
Regular price
$1,200

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