French
luxury brand Louis Vuitton has redesigned its Dosan store in Gangnam, Seoul, to
celebrate the 20th anniversary of its collaboration with renowned Japanese
contemporary artist Takashi Murakami.
Unveiled
on January 10, 2025, the project highlights the fusion of past and present
through the ‘Louis Vuitton X Murakami Re-edition Collection’,
reinterpreted with a contemporary aesthetic.
The
store’s exterior features Murakami’s iconic 〈Smiling Flower〉, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.
Inside,
the space is divided into six thematic areas where Louis Vuitton’s iconic bags,
such as “Speedy”, “Capucines”, and “Onthego”, are
presented with new designs by Murakami.
The Dosan store goes beyond being a retail space, offering various experiential areas. An archive section showcases four iconic bags from the first collaboration in 2003, highlighting the story and significance of the partnership. A care station provides repair services for previous collections, allowing customers to observe artisans restoring pieces with meticulous craftsmanship.
The
cinema area screens digital videos featuring Murakami’s signature characters.
The story follows Aya, a young girl who explores Murakami’s artistic universe,
blending contemporary art with digital innovation. On the third floor, a café
offers desserts and beverages inspired by the collection, creating a
lifestyle-oriented space for visitors.
Louis
Vuitton provides special commemorative gifts for customers purchasing from the
collection, including Takashi Murakami Flower Go Walk handheld game devices,
trading cards, and stickers, offering an exclusive and memorable experience.
The
collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami began in 2003, marking
a new era for fashion and contemporary art. The ‘Monogram Multicolor’
collection combined Louis Vuitton’s classic monogram with Murakami’s vibrant
colors and iconic characters, becoming a landmark example of successful
collaboration.
The subsequent ‘Cherry Blossom’ collection blended traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design, adding a playful and charming vibe to Louis Vuitton’s bags.
Cherry Blossom 2022
In
2008, the ‘Monogramouflage’ collection introduced a unique style by
merging camouflage patterns with Louis Vuitton’s monogram, solidifying the
originality of their partnership.
Over
the past 20 years, this collaboration has become a groundbreaking example of
how contemporary art and fashion can transcend boundaries and foster dialogue,
leaving a lasting impact on both industries.