Louis Vuitton Opens a NYC Pop-Up to Mark 20th Anniversary of Murakami Collab

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Back in the 2000s, I was all about flaunting the hottest accessory – a Louis Vuitton x Murakami bag. These colorful bags were the must-have item for every celeb, from Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie to Jessica Simpson, Carmen Electra, Raven-Symoné, and more. You’d spot them on the arms of LA’s stars. In fact, these bags even made an appearance in “Mean Girls” (2004), where Rachel McAdams’ character, Regina George, and Lindsay Lohan’s Cady Heron sported them as symbols of status.

To mark the 20th anniversary of its successful collaboration with artist Takashi Murakami, Louis Vuitton has unveiled a reissued collection available at a temporary shop that opened today in New York City’s SoHo district. This pop-up store, operating until January 31st, will showcase original vintage pieces alongside the chance to buy items from the “Chapter One” reissue series. The collection, characterized by Murakami’s symbols and characters, includes over 170 Louis Vuitton designs such as bags, belts, shoes, scarves, a skateboard, and even one of their famous trunks – a bespoke piece designed to accommodate 33 Speedy bags in reissued prints. Another release, “Chapter Two,” is scheduled for March.

Back in December, they gave us a sneak peek at their upcoming collection and pop-up events, and I was stoked to see Zendaya modeling it! This line was initially dreamt up by Marc Jacobs, who was Louis Vuitton’s creative director at the time. He collaborated with some amazing artists like Stephen Sprouse and Richard Prince.

After checking out an exhibit of Murakami’s work in 2002 at the Fondation Cartier, a contemporary art museum in Paris, Marc pitched the idea of working together. The vibrant designs from that collaboration were launched as part of Louis Vuitton’s spring/summer 2003 collection, and they were an immediate success! Iconic patterns like Monogram Multicolore and Monogram Blossom were born during that time, and for the anniversary collection, these classic designs have been refreshed. I can’t wait to get my hands on some of those pieces!

The New York City site is the sole U.S. venue for our pop-up events, while six other experiences are taking place simultaneously in London, Milan, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo. Notably, the Harajuku location in Tokyo is the largest of these seven, as artist Murakami draws inspiration from the vibrant lifestyle, bold colors, and street fashion of this neighborhood, which he incorporates into both his art and his Louis Vuitton collaborations. Additionally, the Louis Vuitton flagship store on the Champs-Élysées in Paris has installed a cinema wall as part of the celebration.

As a dedicated fan, I’m excited to share my anticipation for the New York City pop-up event! This isn’t just about browsing the original and reissued collections; it’s a unique journey filled with extraordinary experiences. If you’re among the lucky owners of Louis Vuitton x Murakami originals, you’ll find a dedicated “care station” offering restoration services – from cleaning canvas and metal to restoring hand-painted motifs. It’s a fascinating opportunity to watch the skilled artisans at work. From January 10-12, a charming café adorned with Louis Vuitton x Murakami designs will be open, serving complimentary hot drinks and pastries. The twist? All served on Louis Vuitton x Murakami tableware and napkins! Simply make a purchase to enjoy this delightful experience.

In this vibrant pop-up area, adorned with striking colors and geometric designs evoking a modular aesthetic, a cinema has been established for screenings of two films: the 2003 movie “Superflat Monogram,” co-created by Murakami and directed by Mamoru Hosoda, as well as the 2009 anime short film “First Love in Superflat.” Both productions have undergone remastering since their initial debuts.

The Louis Vuitton x Murakami pop-up store in New York City, located at 104 Prince Street, is now open and will remain so until January 31st. For additional details, please check out the Louis Vuitton website.

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2025-01-08 02:54