Cult Art Collabs: The Louis Vuitton Series
The celebration of cult art through high-end design is one of the most noteworthy endeavors we’ve seen on the runway. And while heritage houses have always been known for their edgy, artsy, truly emblematic creative directors, Louis Vuitton’s collaborations with renowned (cult) artists have taken their brand further — and to deliciously unexpected places.
And just like that one catchy yet ambiguous ’80s song that you can sing word for word, you’re probably already privy to these artists and limited edition Louis Vuitton items — even if you don’t know it yet. See if you recognize these once cult-classics turned timeless international treasures, including:
TAKASHI MURAKAMI
Ah, the good old days: when a younger version of yourself obsessed over getting your pretty little hands on the next multi-colored monogram print you’d been eyeing. Recognize these? Of course, you do. Whether you know the name or not, the Takashi Murakami-inspired print is nothing short of legendary.
RICHARD PRINCE (2008)
These little gems were definitely pushing boundaries (and occasionally buttons) over a decade ago when they were first modeled by a row of nurses at their unveiling at the SS08 show. The bags themselves featured Prince’s Jokes series – slightly absurd pokes of comedy in bold print, overlapping (and frankly, overpowering) a washed-out monogram. The bag itself seemed to be wrapped in snakeskin and then dunked in acid or similar — a pointed reimagining on a once pristinely executed piece. Who doesn’t enjoy a healthy dose of self-deprecation?
YAYOI KUSAMA (2012)
Some women wonder if they’ll lose their “oomph” as they age. 83-year-old Yayoi Kusama is a living, heart-throbbing example that the answer is an emphatic never. Her prints are bold and playful, many with a peek-a-boo logo design that feels downright flirtatious. The unapologetic personality of these bags is perfect for those seeking the authentic, the unabashed, and the unusual. Her latest collaboration with Louis Vuitton in 2023 is stunning.
CINDY SHERMAN (2014)
Sherman’s designs were launched as part of the ‘Iconoclasts’ collection, a celebration of the 160th anniversary of this legendary heritage house. As expected, she took an unconventional approach, creating a classic Louis Vuitton trunk featuring multicolored interior drawers. When asked, she claims they were inspired by her pet parrot, Mister Frieda. This articulation later translated to her patchwork bags, which are said to imitate the hotel stickers found on vintage-era trunks — perhaps an ode to wanderlust spirits and “suitcase hearts”? We think so.
THE CHAPMAN BROTHERS (2017)
A personal favorite for sheer originality, Jake and Dino Chapman took their designs off the map first, diving into what Highsnobriety refers to as the “oneiric wildlife world” to develop truly enchanting (and at times mildly frightening) illustrations of creatures that only a Louis-trunk taken-on-safari would ever be naturally exposed to. The fresh illustrative monogram makes this collection especially rare and intriguing — a gem worth snatching up if you’re into that sort of thing. (answer: yes, we most definitely are.)
Artycapucines (2019)
The Louis Vuitton X Exhibit featured six limited-edition ArtyCapucines handbags created in tandem with six contemporary artists: Alex Israel, Jonas Wood, Nicholas Hlobo, Sam Falls, Tschabalala Self, and Urs Fischer. Each are so detailed the collection has its own post!
