It’s been two decades since the legendary artist-designer partnership between Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami, which combined the Japanese artist’s expressive and playful designs with LV’s iconic monogram logo. In exciting news for fashion aficionados, the duo is reuniting in 2025 for an extensive re-edition of their original collection. Murakami will bring his signature style to over 200 Louis Vuitton items, including the classic ‘Monogram Multicolore,’ prominently featured on sought-after LV City Bags such as the ‘Speedy 25’ and ‘OnTheGo’ tote.

Central to the collection are the ‘Monogram Multicolore’ motifs, elegantly presented on white and black backgrounds. These motifs adorn a variety of products, from sophisticated ‘City Bags’ such as the ‘Dauphine Soft’ and Venice to versatile accessories like belts, silk scarves, sunglasses, and footwear. The Louis Vuitton × Murakami re-edition transcends a mere collection; it is a statement. It unites eras, honours a legendary partnership, and redefines the essence of playfulness in luxury fashion. 

The Power of Nostalgia Meets the Pulse of the Present

The reunion stems from a shared vision “to honour a groundbreaking legacy while infusing it with fresh, contemporary relevance.” Their 2003 collaboration introduced Murakami’s now-iconic ‘Superflat Garden’ floral motifs and whimsical characters like ‘Superflat Panda,’ challenging traditional notions of luxury with a bold, kawaii-inspired twist. The collection became a cultural phenomenon, instantly coveted and cementing its place as a collector’s dream.

Now, in 2024, their reunion arrives as a masterstroke, blending nostalgia with the pulse of modern culture. Louis Vuitton seeks to honour its heritage while connecting with the current zeitgeist—where nostalgia reigns supreme and Gen Z eagerly mines the past for inspiration. 

“This re-edition marks the next chapter in our longstanding relationship with Takashi Murakami. His reimagining of the Monogram Multicolore two decades ago remains a pop culture icon, as relevant today as ever,” says Louis Vuitton.

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Highlights of the Re-edition: A Kaleidoscope of Innovation

At the forefront of this re-edition is the Louis Vuitton × Murakami campaign, a visual and emotional feast brought to life by Dutch photographers Inez and Vinoodh. In playful, dreamlike collages, Zendaya dances across cityscapes adorned with Murakami’s vibrant characters and motifs. From amusement park rollercoasters to lush urban parks, these backdrops evoke the fantastical, boundary-pushing ethos of their collaboration.

In a bold move, Murakami reimagines the Louis Vuitton logo, weaving his characters into its iconic initials for a playful and unprecedented twist. Murakami’s characters mischievously interact with the brand’s initials, introducing a dynamic playfulness to the campaign. Accompanying this visual spectacle are two short films: one sees Murakami sending a retro flip phone to Zendaya, which bursts open with a cascade of colourful characters; the other captures her dancing joyfully with Murakami’s creations, blending high fashion with heartfelt whimsy. 

The collection brims with treasures: iconic pieces like the ‘Speedy 25,’ ‘OnTheGo,’ and ‘Capucines Mini’ bags reimagined in vibrant hues, complemented by silk scarves, monogrammed mules, and statement belts exuding elegance and vitality.

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Aesthetics and Trends: Playful Kawaii Meets Contemporary Cool

Murakami’s signature kawaii aesthetic takes centre stage, celebrating bold colours and whimsical charm. This re-edition reflects an intentional maturity. While the flowers and pandas retain their charm, the designs now strike a balance between playful nostalgia and modern sophistication. The result is a collection that feels equally at home on Gen Z’s TikTok feeds and within the curated wardrobes of seasoned collectors.

Is the Kawaii aesthetic overdone? Not in Murakami’s realm. Here, the riotous colours and playful motifs are a deliberate departure from muted, minimalist trends that have dominated recent seasons. It’s a joyful rebellion—a refusal to tone down creativity in a world that often favours restraint. As fashion pivots toward optimism post-pandemic, this collection feels perfectly in step with the moment, bringing light and levity to the luxury space.

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The reimagined collection will be released in two parts, with the first chapter available for purchase in January 2025. Murakami’s seasonally appropriate Cherry Blossom design will lead the collection in the collaboration’s second part, which will be presented in March 2025.