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?
this entire campaign is tasteless. The LV website has images of a massive grotesque LV logo erected just beneath the steps of the Zojoji temple in Tokyo, a Buddhist shrine worshipped by Buddhists all over the world. Placing a massive brand logo of opulence on the entrance to a place of worship demeans the purpose of the shrine, which for us Buddhists is a place of renouncing worldly possessions.
Imagine if the same logo was erected on the steps of the vatican or the Mecca, the outcry that it will create. LV is not getting my $$$$
EXACTLY! Well said.
That placement speaks equally, if not more, about the host. They cannot put that up without the host’s permission, endorsement and intention. Also, on Buddhism, it is all emptiness. Once you see it through, renouncing or not, does not make a difference.
I’m pretty sure most things at the Vatican are full of opulence and luxury 😀
Yes, I’ve seen the Vatican and it’s beyond opulent.
can we please stop having models’ crotches thrust at us to sell a purse?! that first image is nauseating.
Wait I’m confused. I don’t see any crotch thrusting in the first pic
This article was posted a few weeks ago but now it has been updated with lots of pictures. I guess the crotch picture was replaced.
I love this collection! I hope to get the Alma BB.
The collection—leaked several weeks ago on Insta—is fantastic. I especially love that they made pieces for men too this time around. I look forward to it!
Didn’t like it the first time around and still don’t like it lol.
I went to see store manager last Thursday afternoon to purchase those fun collections. Sadly the Pumpkin bag isn’t available in Australia and only available in Japan( Sold Out already according to my SA friends in Tokyo) I understand some people hate those collections but I love most of them except “ Paint Dot Line “…
My order lists are:
Paint Dot Line / No thanks!
Metal Dot Line / Thought about Cannes but changed my mind.
Infinity Dot Line / Empreinte Leather Neverfull in white dot on black leather and ALMA BB in red!! Couldn’t help those two bags!!
Psychedelic flower Line / Keepall. Love love love!!
Plus getting two scarfs!
Can’t wait to see all my orders arrive after January 5th next year.
I appreciate most of the installations but Zojoji???
Not sure about it and amazed by Zojoji let LV use for promotion purposes. Perhaps they need desperate money???
I LOVE this collection. I already pre-ordered the Alma. Thrilled!!!
I love all things Kusama even crappy lv
The only thing i love is that yellow pumpkin meant as a cookie jar? Haha
Sorry but from afar the colored dots look like this year’s fornasetti collab.
LV multicolor vintage is still the best among all the colorful LV prints.
The yellow and black spots look like the brand color for THE PARKING SPOT airport parking.
I agree with adangerousbeauty, that the vintage LV multicolor done by Marc Jacobs is still the best and most unique that LV has done. These dots look really tacky.
LV keeps getting tackier and tackier.
I don’t know if I call it tacky but there’s nothing especially creative about slapping a bunch of polka dots on a bag and clothes. Not all that appealing and IMO, will look dated quickly.
One person’s tacky is another’s quirky and fun.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️kusama💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤
I really really tried to like this collection, was hoping for a cute Alma, like the Fornasetti that I have and it is a dream. But, come on, is LV pranking us? My money is very safe in the bank. Next!!
I saw the collection the other night and I just felt happy seeing it – its pure fun! I really loved the Noe in the dots– just thought great looking bag with a single color dress..probably black or jeans and a black sweater and the bag would really pop- its a fun look and somewhat irreverent which if your as tired of monogram as I am – how fun to see paint all over it! It really does look great in person! IMO.