Earlier this week, Louis Vuitton launched its second collaboration with Yayoi Kusama, and we got a preview of the brand’s massive collection. Spanning both womenswear and menswear, the collaboration includes ready-to-wear bags, shoes, luggage, trunks, and fragrances. A press release for the collection details mini collections within the larger collection.
An Update
This collection is vast, and Louis Vuitton bag collectors will have a hard time deciding. Kusama’s classic Painted Dots started it all and are integral to the collection, appearing on Monogram bags like the Nano Speedy, Neverfull, Alma BB, Capucines, Dauphine Bag, and more. Prices range across the collection, but it seems most bags, on average, are around $800 more than their classic Monogram counterparts.
More widely recognized, the Infinity Dots encompasses most pieces in the project across all categories for both women and men. Appearing in signature Kusama palettes of black & white, red & white, yellow & black, Infinity Dots are plastered onto Monogram leather goods such as the embossed Empreinte Neverfull, as well as Epi bags such as the Twist and Alma BB.
Drop one, which will launch on January 1st, 2023, in China and Japan, followed by the rest of the world on January 6th, will include pieces from Kusama’s Painted Dots, Metal Dots, Infinity Dots, and Psychedelic Flower collections. Drop 2 will be arriving later in 2023, hitting stores at the end of March. Discover looks from the collection below, courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
Since the beginning, Louis Vuitton has had a strong connection to the arts, helping to pioneer the musing of both the fashion and art worlds through partnerships and collaborations. The brand has worked with many renowned artists since its founding in 1854, and Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is just one of them.
Chapter 1
In 2012, Louis Vuitton and Yayoi Kusama released a limited-edition collection of the boldest, brightest takes on the iconic Louis Vuitton Monogram. Taking the signature bold dots in the fun, bright hues and melding them with the Maison’s rich history was revolutionary. Kusama has often been named a forerunner of Pop and Minimal art, and fusing that aesthetic with Louis Vuitton’s classic heritage was a hit. Now, ten years later, the duo is back.
Chapter 2
We first got a look at the second installment from this dynamic duo back in May during the brand’s Cruise 2023 runway show, but last week fans were delighted with a further look at the collection. Teased both online and on social media, Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama is coming this January. The brand has even placed a countdown on its website for those eagerly awaiting this collaboration.
Classic Meets Modern
On the runway, the brand presented magical new bags said to “transcend time and space,” but new details of the upcoming collection are emerging as the release becomes closer and closer. A series of reels posted to the brand’s Instagram showcase Louis Vuitton staples like the Onthego, Alma and Capucines bag, all given the classic Kusama makeover in bold colors with the artists signature dotted motif.
While the runway bags are sure to stun, collectors will love the classic Monogram pieces from the House. Collaborations like these usually go fast, so if you’re looking to snag a piece, be sure to set your reminders! Are you looking forward to snagging a piece from this collection?
