An Iconic Y2k Collaboration is Back

Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami bring back their legendary partnership.

If there was one bag that defined the early aughts, it would be the Takashi Murakami for Louis Vuitton pochettes. Featuring Murakami’s playful cartoon flowers, cherries as well as his rainbow interpretation of the brand’s signature logo, they were the “It-bag” that defined a generation and set the standard for all of the ones to follow. But unlike most trendy collections that come and go, this collaboration has remained a part of the pop culture conversation since its inception. Even now, the pieces are highly coveted on the secondhand market. It’s fitting then, that twenty years later, that the two are back with a second collection. This project, paying tribute to the creative partnership that redefined 21st-century collector culture, merges Louis Vuitton’s craftsmanship with Murakami’s colorful and imaginative aesthetic.

Murakami, the internationally acclaimed Japanese artist, is celebrated for his ability to blend traditional Japanese art, anime, and pop culture. His collaboration with Louis Vuitton, in 2003, under then Artistic Director Marc Jacobs, broke new ground by reinterpreting the classic Louis Vuitton Monogram with a burst of color and playful motifs. Twenty years later, this re-edition takes those iconic designs to new heights, showcasing them across more than 200 creations with elevated precision and vividness, made possible by digital printing and Louis Vuitton’s savoir-faire. 

Central to the collection is the Monogram Multicolore, rendered in 33 vibrant colors that bring joy and sophistication to timeless pieces. Signature silhouettes like the Speedy, Keepall, OnTheGo, and Dauphine bags now showcase Murakami’s iconic motifs. Smaller leather pieces, including wallets, belts, and silk scarves feature these designs, while trunks and accessories extend the playful aesthetic even further.Murakami’s whimsical Superflat Panda and floral Superflat Garden motifs make a cheery appearance on sneakers, keyrings, skateboards, and even perfume bottles, like the Attrape-Rêves. Additionally, the Cherry Blossom pattern is prominently displayed on Papillon bags and platform sandals, with a second chapter of the collection dedicated to this motif arriving in March 2025. But if you can’t wait until then, the first drop launches worldwide on January 1, 2025 in stores and online. Given its history, it’s going to sell fast.