Culture
Louis Vuitton does Kusama
Kusama with a bright purse from the collection.
Image courtesy of: Vogue India, photographed by: Bobby Doherty
This year, the esteemed fashion house Louis Vuitton went BIG with a colorful and exciting collection that caught the attention of fashion lovers everywhere. The collection was a collaboration with the Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, and is huge both literally and theoretically; there are over 450 pieces in the collection that debuted in two parts: the first in January and the second in March.
There is nothing subtle about the collaboration… and that is exactly what the French luxury fashion house was hoping for. For the “Princess of Polka Dots,” it is her ethos that (courtesy of The Telegraph), she does not “think of fashion and art as separate.” The collaboration shows that is consistent.
From the January drop, a black-and-white polka dot purse and blouse.
Image courtesy of: Harper’s Bazaar, (photo courtesy of of Louis Vuitton)
This is the second time that Kusama has collaborated with Louis Vuitton. In 2012, the artist used the brand’s trunks as a canvas for her signature spots. No doubt that partnership over a decade ago laid the foundation for this year’s collection. About the 2012 project, Kusama said (courtesy of Vogue India), “During my last project, I received a great response from people all over the world. In this one too, I would like to share my artistic philosophy and thoughts with everyone.”
Now at the age of 93, Kusama had a different perspective… one of fantasia and escapism. Kusama clearly pushed the boundaries on how creative a collaboration between a luxury fashion house and an artist could be. It did not hurt that the two entities had worked together in the past. One additional difference was that this collaboration also differed from the one over a decade ago in that it encompassed more than just leather goods.
An advertisement for the collaboration featuring Justin Timerlanke. Kusama says that pumpkins have been her favorite gourd since she was in elementary school in Kyoto.
Image courtesy of: Rolling Stone , (photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton)
The second drop in March focused primarily on Kusama’s pumpkins. Titled “Creating Infinity,” the collaboration’s second chapter took publicity one step further by enlisting A-listers such as Cate Blanchett, Naomi Osaka, and Justin Timberlake.
Kusama’s signature faces, pumpkins, and flowers grace Louis Vuitton pieces and add visual interest to the monogramed leather goods. For Kusama, pieces featuring pumpkins are the most special; she says (courtesy of an ArtNet article by William van Meter), “Pumpkins do not inspire much respect. I was enchanted by their charming winsome form. What appealed to me most was the pumpkin’s generous unpretentiousness. That and its solid spiritual balance.”
Perhaps the biggest difference between today and 2012’s collaboration is the impact social media has played. In 2012, the giant luxury fashion house did not even have an Instagram account; this year, the collection actually debuted on Instagram!
In addition, several pop-up spaces literally popped-up throughout the world… those spaces, such as in New York City’s Meatpacking District, covered the entire store in floor-to-ceiling dots and enormous metallic orbs. Not to be outdone, there was also a pop-up store in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore… just one of three in the Asia-Pacific region, including Sydney and Bangkok.
The iconic Paris building with a giant inflatable Kusama!
Image courtesy of: Luxury Travel Magazine
However perhaps the most impressive was Louis Vuitton’s massive takeover of Paris’ Maison Champs-Élysées flagship store. The entire Art Déco building was adorned with Kusama’s iconic colored polka dots. Not since 1912, when the stunning structure was constructed by Georges Vuitton, has there been such excitement over the façade. Not to be outdone by those colorful dots, a giant sculpture of the Japanese artist is exhibited… seemingly (courtesy of Hyperbeast) ” in the motion of planting the painted specks on the building while at ground level, floating metal balloons hover over the entry hall and more colorful orb details decorate the surrounding floor-to-ceiling display windows.”
Courtesy of Vogue India, Kusama was quoted as saying (regarding the fantastical collaboration with Louis Vuitton), “During my last project, I received a great response from people all over the world. In this one too, I would like to share my artistic philosophy and thoughts with everyone.” Much agreed!
