Top 5 Most Iconic Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami Collections
When in 2023 Louis Vuitton relaunched its collaboration with the Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama everyone started speculating if the Takashi Murakami collaboration was next on the list. After all, the partnership between the renowned Japanese contemporary artist Murakami and Louis Vuitton lasted a whopping 12 years, making it the longest artist collaboration the brand has ever had.
And it seems that the fans were right. 9 years after their last collection together, Louis Vuitton and Murakami are set to collaborate again, releasing a collection which would commemorate the 20-year anniversary of their original collaboration. Though we have yet to get the official announcement from Louis Vuitton. But, while we wait, why don’t we to go down the memory lane and revisit some of the most iconic LV x Murakami collections released to date?
1. The Monogram Multicolor Collection
Ah, the iconic multicolor – the collection that started it all. First spotted on Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2003 runway, the Monogram Multicolor (or Multicolore) collection offered a fresh, youthful take on the brand’s classic monogram pattern, by reimagining it into into a kaleidoscope of 33 bright colors, set against either a crisp white or bold black backdrop.
Gracing iconic LV silhouettes – like the Alma, Speedy and Keepall, as well as newer designs like the Judy and Beverly bags, the Multicolor instantly became a cultural phenomenon and a must-have accessory of the early 2000s, with stars like Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and Jessica Simpson among its admirers. And the rumor has it that Louis Vuitton is going to re-release it together with the new Takashi Murakami collaboration, which is set to drop in January of 2025.
2. Cherry Blossom Collection
Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2003 runway also unveiled the Cherry Blossom Collection. A celebration of Takashi Murakami’s signature pop art style, the collection spotlights one of his hallmarks – the cherry blossom flower emblem. Adorned with cheerful smiling faces, the whimsical motif injected a youthful look into an otherwise very classy-looking Monogram canvas, while introducing a lighthearted charm to the brand’s classic designs, such as the Papillon and Pochette Accessories.
3. Panda Collection
Introduced in 2004, the Louis Vuitton x Murakami Panda Collection brought Murakami’s signature cartoon panda character to life on Louis Vuitton’s classic monogram canvas. The charming panda, with its bright eyes and adorable expression, appeared prominently on pieces like the Pochette Accessoires and other small leather goods. Btw, chances are that we are going to see it return in January of 2025 (shhh…, I didn’t tell you!).
4. Cerises Collection
The Louis Vuitton x Murakami Cerises Collection is once again a playful celebration of Takashi Murakami’s signature pop-art style. Introduced in 2005, the collection featured Louis Vuitton’s iconic monogram canvas enhanced with cheerful red cherries, which brought a burst of youthful energy to classic pieces like the Speedy and Keepall, while staying true to Louis Vuitton’s classic style codes.
5. Monogramouflage Collection
When talking about the most iconic LV x Murakami collections, one should also not forget to mention the Monogramouflage. Unveiled in 2008, it was basically the first major time a luxury brand has featured a camouflage print on its products. However, in this case, it wasn’t just a simple camouflage print, rather than Takashi Murakami’s reinterpretation of Louis Vuitton’s classic Monogram with camouflage.
Spotted across a variety of Louis Vuitton items, incl. handbags, small leather goods and accessories, the Monogramouflage is without a doubt one of the most memorable collections produced by Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami collab.
What’s your favorite Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami collection? And are you excited about the rumored re-launch of the collab? Let’s chat in the comments below!
