Sandra‘s Closet

Louis Vuitton and renowned contemporary artist Takashi Murakami celebrate the 20-year anniversary of their era-defining collaboration with the launch of an extensive re-edition collection.

Some of my own Louis Vuitton – Murakami pieces that I have collected over the years.

My avid readers know, that I have kept every single piece I have invested in for over 30 years. I have always believed that they will be back in style and predicted the era of re-editions and the sustainability movement. I still have the Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami items from 20 years ago and now it is time to unpack them again. For a long time, they seemed outdated as they had been copied too much. However keeping fashion items is a smart choice because trends often come full circle, with styles being reintroduced or reimagined over time. What may seem outdated today can become a statement piece tomorrow. By holding onto well-crafted items, you not only save money but also contribute to sustainability by reducing waste. Fashion reeditions give old favorites a new life, proving that timeless pieces never truly go out of style.

Takashi Murakami

Twenty years after Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami first came together for what became an era-defining collaboration, the House and the Japanese artist are proud to announce the arrival of Louis Vuitton × Murakami, a joyful and celebratory re-edition that reimagines and updates the original collection. Consisting of more than 200 uplifting creations, the project acts as a modern-day showcase for an enduring creative bond, defined by artistic vision, remarkable feats of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, and the timeless appeal of this seminal moment in early 21st-century pop and collector culture.

Actor and singer Zendaya stars in the campaign for Louis Vuitton x Murakami created by renowned Dutch photographers, Inez and Vinoodh.

For Louis Vuitton × Murakami, the playful, yet profound works that the artist created for the original collaboration, initiated by the House’s then Artistic Director, Marc Jacobs – including a kaleidoscopic reinterpretation of the iconic Louis Vuitton Monogram pattern, the first time in its history that it had been reworked – are now celebrated and featured across a wide-ranging assortment of the House’s most renowned and coveted women’s leather goods and accessories.
The renditions have their own respective label, which I love as it will distinguish the original from the reeditions.

The Louis Vuitton x Murakami reedition will be celebrated within a fully immersive visual landscape, ranging from window displays to pop-ups and pop-ins, as well as innovative in-store activations and a dedicated advertising campaign. Louis Vuitton × Murakami will be available to order worldwide from now. A second chapter will be launched in March 2025 and focus on the artist’s perfect-for-spring Cherry Blossom pattern.

I love when old things feel brand new and the original is always better than the re-edition!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton and © Sandra Bauknecht
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 The latest creation from HUBLOT and celebrated Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami is finally here – and it may well be the duo’s most eye-catching and exceptional creation to date. Introducing the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow, reimagining the artist’s iconic smiling flower as a sapphire sculpture set with colorful gemstones and fitted with HUBLOT’s first central tourbillon movement.

Takashi Murakami in front of the Hublot Ginza Boutique with Julien Tornare, Hublot CEO

Transcending the preconceived notions of contemporary art, Takashi Murakami created his own art movement dubbed «Superflat», extending from fine arts such as painting, sculptures and installations to more commercial media such as fashion and animation. Blurring the line between high and low arts, Murakami melds the aesthetic of the Japanese artistic tradition with contemporary art and culture. Of all his works, the most iconic is the smiling flower, which HUBLOT has sought to bring into a watchmaking context through several collaborative pieces. 

The MP-15 is the symbol of a friendship in full bloom, born from a shared passion for breaking down boundaries and going beyond expectations. HUBLOT first began working with Murakami in 2021, with a shared drive of breaking down boundaries and going beyond expectations with their respective artforms. After his eponymous Classic Fusion models and a series of NFT artworks paired with unique pieces, HUBLOT and Takashi Murakami took their partnership to the next level with the unveiling of the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon for the Only Watch 2023 charity auction. Reimagining one of Murakami’s most emblematic motifs, the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon took on the «smiling flower» and transfigured it from Murakami’s signature aesthetic into a wearable sculpture that seamlessly merges contemporary art, avant-garde watchmaking and exceptional gem-setting; the latter of which HUBLOT has pioneered with unexpected techniques and a mastering of the perfect rainbow effect. This requires carefully selecting gemstones that work together in a perfect transition of tones. 

Meticulously crafted from a block of Sapphire crystal, the modestly sized 42mm smiling flower case features twelve petals. True to Murakami’s highly chromatic palette, the twelve petals feature polished Titanium inlays that are set with 444 colored gemstones in total, including brilliant-cut Rubies, Pink Sapphires, Amethysts, Blue Sapphires, Blue Topazes, Tsavorites and Yellow or Orange Sapphires. These stones are grouped together so that each petal is in a different vibrant color, just like the original Murakami smiling flower. 

More than just an incredible feat of gem-setting however, the MP-15 features a truly revolutionary mechanical caliber. At the heart of the HUB9015 calibre is the central flying tourbillon, which can be admired through the domed sapphire crystal engraved with two twinkling eyes and a smiling mouth. A first for HUBLOT, the central tourbillon is an exceedingly rare type of complication that demands advanced engineering and reimagining how a mechanical movement is built. In the MP-15, it is animated by means of a manual-winding caliber that boasts an exceptional power reserve of 120 hours – enough to run for nearly a whole week. To make the winding experience as effortless as possible, HUBLOT has created a special rechargeable stylus that’s placed on the crown, which winds the twin barrels in 100 revolutions. 

With this work of sculptural, wearable art, the notion of innovative and original watchmaking nonetheless takes center-stage. Surrounding the MP-15’s central flying tourbillon and keeping its view unobstructed, the hours and minutes are indicated by two hand tips that revolve around its periphery. The hands are actually positioned beneath the tourbillon cage, with just their tips bent upwards and outwards thanks to an intricate co-axial construction. Making the reading of time effortless and intuitive, the opening features a flange ring set with twelve baton hour markers, each continuing the color of the petal. The visual intrigue of the MP-15 is further enhanced by the fact that most of the movement’s components have been skeletonized, which appear as if floating in a vacuum. A true feat of superlative watchmaking. 

The finishing touch comes in the form of the strap, which is transparent and decorated with Takashi Murakami’s signature flower motif. Like the case, the deployant buckle is crafted in Sapphire crystal and Titanium. 

An artistic endeavor that’s bound to garner the appreciation of contemporary art lovers for its audacity and discerning watch aficionados for its complexity, the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow is a limited edition of 20 pieces, available to HUBLOT boutiques and authorized retailers around the world upon request. 

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot #Hublot
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FLORAL SAPPHIRE AND CENTRAL TOURBILLON: HUBLOT UNVEILS THE MP-15, DEVELOPED WITH TAKASHI MURAKAMI

With just 50 pieces available, the MP-15 is the first limited edition Hublot watch with a central flying tourbillon. This quirky, playful, yet high-tech model offers a magnificent interpretation of the visual effects of sapphire.

According to the adage, the dial is the face of the watch. Yet, on the MP-15 Takashi Murakami, there is no dial in the true sense. For this model, Hublot has fused the case, movement and dial in a unique arrangement.

In the dial’s customary location sits the complication, with the hands occupying a peripheral position. At the centre, Hublot’s first series-produced central flying tourbillon – unique and different from anything the Manufacture has created in its 40 years.

It is surrounded by Takashi Murakami’s iconic motif, a flower composed of 12 petals made entirely of sapphire. The flower features soft curves and bold, generous volumes. Hublot’s aim was to create absolute transparency in order to maximise the luminosity of the MP-15: sapphire case, sapphire case-back, sapphire crown, translucent flange and strap. The sun will never merely shine on this floral work of art: it will pass straight through it, illuminating its curves and reliefs.

This central flying tourbillon features an impressive power reserve of 150 hours, almost a full week, an exceptional technical achievement for this type of complication. To enable it to be fully wound, Hublot has created a special stylus. Supplied with the piece, for which it has been specially designed, and rechargeable via a USB socket, the stylus is placed on the crown, which it winds through 100 revolutions smoothly and easily until both barrels that drive the central tourbillon are fully wound. The position of the latter embodies its function: a visual pleasure, visible at all times. Takashi Murakami has ably underlined its mischievous nature by incorporating two twinkling eyes and a broad smile.

Around the edge, the hours and minutes are indicated by the tips of two hands. These are peripheral, rather than central. Aficionados will appreciate the technical feat: the hands literally pass beneath the tourbillon cage, in a bold affront to the basic principles of traditional watchmaking science. Here, the escapement and the hour and minute hands vie for position in a single central space. To accommodate them, the cannon pinion and the hour wheel had to be pivoted around the tourbillon support by creating a co-axial construction.

Hublot has also designed its tourbillon without an upper bridge. All of its components are skeletonised. This makes it easy to appreciate just how much work has gone into developing the MP-15, in which some of the gears and all of the tourbillon components – which appear to float in space – are visible.

The deeply innovative MP-15 nevertheless features the standard markers that enable it to be worn and read naturally and easily. Twelve white indices appear on the flange, while black-plated hands with white SuperLuminova guarantee perfect legibility both day and night. The model is traditionally wound and set using a crown at 3 o’clock. Moreover, the modest 42 mm diameter of this piece makes it supremely easy to wear, not least thanks to its integrated rubber strap which offers optimal comfort.

LoL, Sandra

«Up until now, my work has focused on colour new chapter focussing on absolute transparency. The forms and volumes are perceived completely differently. With Hublot, we were able to preserve the individuality of my floral motif, but with a unique and different identity which was purer and perfectly in tune with Hublot’s mechanical universe. I’m very proud of the result!»
Takashi Murakami

Photos: © Hublot #Hublot
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At this year’s Paris+ par Art Basel, Louis Vuitton continues its longstanding commitment to the arts by exhibiting and showcasing a curated selection of creative collaborations and original artworks from leading international artists. The Maison is also revealing wave five of the Artycapucines collection.

The Louis Vuitton booth for Paris+ par Art Basel 2023, which runs from 20-22 October at the Grand Palais Éphémère, has been designed to resemble an oversized Louis Vuitton trunk. The exterior of the booth is inspired by the Copper Malle Courrier by Pharrell Williams, which was presented on the runway for his debut Louis Vuitton menswear collection, for S/S 2024. The booth’s interior walls feature the iconic malletage pattern, the refined crisscrossing motif that has padded the inside of the Maison’s trunks since Louis Vuitton founded his business in 1854. The booth is the perfect showcase for an exhibition of curated works by an ensemble of world-renowned artists, including collaborations on bags and canvas by Takashi Murakami; reworked, unique travel trunks by Damien Hirst; and Stephen Sprouse‘s Roses Monogram Alma bag.

Other original artworks on show include three paintings by Richard Prince; one by Takashi Murakami; a circular portrait of a young Louis Vuitton by Yan Pei-Ming; and an AI-data painting entitled Finding LV by Refik Anadol. Also included are seven new works by Yayoi Kusama, exhibited for the first time, each entitled Every Day I Pray for Love. The phrase has featured on the back of Kusama’s recent paintings, including this new series, which was begun in 2022 during the conception of the artist’s latest collaboration with Louis Vuitton.

At Paris+ par Art Basel, the Maison will also reveal five additions to its now iconic Artycapucines Collection. Since 2019, the collection has seen leading international artists – including Daniel Buren, Urs Fischer, Donna Huanca, Vik Muniz, Park Seo-Bo, Tschabalala Self, Kennedy Yanko, and Zhao Zhao – bring their unique creative visions to the blank canvas offered by the Capucines bag’s modern classic design. The five new bags on display at Paris+ par Art Basel are by Ewa Juszkiewicz, Liza Lou, Tursic & Mille, Ziping Wang, and Billie Zangewa, and reveal the ingenious creativity of their artist designers and the creative ingenuity of Louis Vuitton’s artisans who turned those visions into reality.

In 2023, following its successful presence at last year’s inaugural Paris+ par Art Basel, Louis Vuitton is now proud to become a global Associate Partner of Art Basel.
This additional support further confirms the Maison’s close and committed relationship to the arts, one that started nearly a century ago when Gaston-Louis Vuitton, the founder’s grandson, began commissioning artists to collaborate with Louis Vuitton on advertisements and perfume bottles.

Since 1988, Louis Vuitton has continued this legacy by collaborating with some of the biggest names in modern art and design, including Sol LeWitt, James Rosenquist, Cesar, and Olafur Eliasson. It has curated exhibitions by artists such as Sophie Calle,Dan Flavin, Alberto Giacometti and Gerhard Richter in its Espaces Louis Vuitton around the world (Tokyo, Munich, Venice, Beijing, Seoul and Osaka), and has more recently created innovative large-scale global art projects, such as the 2022 collaboration with Yayoi Kusama that included giant statues of the artist in Paris and London, an anamorphic billboard in Tokyo, and a capsule collection of bags, shoes, accessories, luggage, and fragrances. In 2014, the Maison opened the landmark Frank Gehry-designed Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, which further strengthened its continuing mission to bring the best modern and contemporary art to new audiences.

Louis Vuitton will present during Paris+ par Art Basel, which runs 20 – 22 October 2023 at the Grand Palais Éphémère, 2 Place Joffre, 75007 Paris, France.
From 13 October, the Louis Vuitton City Guide app will feature a new Contemporary Art «flânerie» – or stroll route – which will include a stop at Paris+ par Art Basel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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As a result of their new collaboration, Hublot and Takashi Murakami present thirteen new NFTs and thirteen unique timepieces featuring the iconic smiling flower that is central to the Japanese artist’s work. It is a continuation of past projects, by rewarding the first buyers of the watches and collectors of the first NFTs through an exclusive approach.

«When my collaboration with Hublot was announced, we made it known that we would be adopting new forms of artistic expression. After creating all the timepieces together, as well as the digital works of art, we are now imagining new ways of accessing contemporary art.»
TAKASHI MURAKAMI

The thirteen unique NFTs are inspired by Japanese video games & TV from the 1970s as well as the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black, the first collaboration between the Swiss watchmaker and Takashi Murakami launched in January 2021. These NFTs are linked to a limited edition of 13 new and unique Classic Fusion watches that will be at Watches & Wonders 2023 in Geneva. Twelve of these watches will be available for purchase exclusively online on hublot.com, which can only be accessed by owners of at least one of the 324 NFTs issued in April 2022 as part of the third collaboration between Hublot and Takashi Murakami.

These 324 NFTs were originally offered to owners of one of the two Hublot x Takashi Murakami watch models (Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black & Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Sapphire Rainbow), before they were allowed to be exchanged on the decentralized NFT trading platform, OpenSea. The period between the announcement of the project in New York in February 2023 and the start of sales in early April 2023 in Geneva will allow any collector interested in one of the new watches to collect one of the NFTs available on OpenSea. Each buyer lucky enough to purchase one of the 12 new unique watches will receive a corresponding exclusive NFT.

Hublot and Takashi Murakami take the watch as a work of art to a new level, by bridging the art of fine watchmaking with digital art. The 13th watch of the collection is the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow and it is also the masterpiece. Taking inspiration from the two previously launched pieces, this watch reinterprets the iconic emblem of Takashi Murakami: the smiling flower. Here, the 12 petals of the flower form a perfect gradient of rubies, sapphires, amethysts, tsavorites and topaz. Thanks to an ingenious ball-bearing system developed by Hublot’s engineers, the petals create a dizzying spectacle of colour as they spin on an axis with each movement. The kinetic effect of the petals creates a striking effect against the 45mm black ceramic case. The center of the smiling flower is placed on top of the sapphire glass to create a three-dimensional effect.

The twelve other references, which will be available for purchase by holders of the NFTs on the dedicated ecommerce platform, recall the master flower and represent one of the petals. Twelve references for twelve hours on the dial, and twelve NFTs.

The heart of the watch beats with the manufacture Unico calibre set in the emblematic Classic Fusion design, a unique movement that offers a 72-hour power reserve. As the third watch collaboration between Hublot and the Japanese artist, this launch is proof of the incredible collectability of this partnership.

As the second step, collectors will then have a period of one year during which they will have the opportunity to trade the twelve NFTs on the OpenSea platform. In April 2024, at the end of this period, only the collector who has managed to collect all 12 of the new unique NFTs will be eligible to purchase the thirteenth and most sought-after watch: the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow. In the event that no single person has managed to gather all twelve NFTs, the watch will be auctioned by Hublot to raise funds for charity.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot #Hublot
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise! 

Hublot and Takashi Murakami unveil the second timepiece of their collaboration: the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Sapphire Rainbow. This new watch takes the smiling flower, the iconic theme of the Japanese artist’s work, and transforms it into a whirlwind of transparency and colour. Hublot loves Art!

After launching the first timepiece at the beginning of the year – an All Black watch, which became an instant collector’s item – Hublot and Takashi Murakami are continuing to transpose the Japanese artist’s Kawaii world into horology, by introducing the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Sapphire Rainbow watch. This new piece, still based on the smiling flower, the iconic theme of Murakami’s work, has moved from black to colour with transparent effects.

The technicians in Hublot’s workshops have created a unique setting with this new work of art, a transparent background through which we can contemplate both the artist’s work and the intricate mechanics of the watchmakers in Nyon. Reusing the characteristic features of the Classic Fusion model, this 45mm-diameter case is cut from sapphire crystal, a technological feat pioneered by Hublot.

«This partnership with Hublot has enabled me to express my creativity in what is a totally new medium for me. The mastery of the watchmaker’s technicians has opened up new fields of possibilities for my inspiration. The result is this new watch in the colours of the rainbow.»
Takashi Murakami

The smiling flower presents a mischievous smile on a three-dimensional face that literally emerges from the watch dial, extending out beyond the sapphire crystal. 12 colourful petals rotate around this face, and their polychromatic effect is achieved by setting 487 stones representing the colours of the rainbow: rubies, pink sapphires, amethysts, blue sapphires, tsavorites, yellow and orange sapphires. Thanks to an ingenious ball-bearing system specially developed by Hublot’s engineers, the petals start turning under the watch crystal and bring Takashi Murakami’s smiling flower to life.

In the beating heart of the watch, the Nyon watchmakers have placed the company’s HUB1214 calibre, here without the stopwatch function. This movement has a power reserve of 72 hours.
Targeting Contemporary Art insiders, the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Sapphire Rainbow watch is available in a limited edition of 100 numbered pieces.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot
#Hublot #ClassicFusionTakashiMurakami

In the second collaboration between the Swiss watchmaking manufacture and the brilliant American artist Shepard Fairey, HUBLOT presents the Classic Fusion Chronograph Shepard Fairey timepiece. A veritable titanium sculpture to be worn on the wrist, it symbolises the natural cycles of life and the unity between different cultures.

Hublot is staying true to its motto «Be the first, be unique, be different» by deepening its commitment to its «Hublot Loves Art» programme. After unveiling new collaborations with artists Takashi Murakami and Richard Orlinski, Hublot is today presenting its third watchmaking work of art of the year, the Classic Fusion Chronograph Shepard Fairey.

As its name indicates, it has been designed by American artist Shepard Fairey. Painter, graphic designer, DJ, illustrator, street artist, skateboarder and founder of the OBEY Clothing company, Fairey – also known by his pseudonym Obey – is probably the most politically influential artist of his generation. His works include the famous «Obama Hope» poster, an iconic image from Barak Obama’s electoral campaign in 2008, as well as the piece entitled «Liberté, égalité, fraternité» which he created as a symbol of hope for France after the 2015 terrorist attacks.

His works are on show in the world’s most prestigious museums such as the Smithsonian in Washington, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the MoMa in New York, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, to name but a few. He has been a Hublot ambassador since 2018.

Hublot and Shepard Fairey chose a watch from the Classic Fusion collection as the basis for their second collaboration. On this piece, the American artist, greatly involved in the project, chose to bring to life a piece symbolising a mandala, an ornamental symbol whose origins can be traced back simultaneously to several cultures across the planet. The mandala represents harmony, the cycle of life and the elements, as well as the precious nature of time in the mind. Here, this pattern is brushed and engraved into the titanium, the material used to create the bezel and the 45-mm diameter case. This work continues on the dial, which has also been finely cut to reveal the self-winding chronograph movement, a calibre HUB1155 offering a power reserve of 42 hours. In the centre, the hands display Fairey’s signature «Star Gear» mark. Fitted on a lined black rubber strap, the black stainless steel deployant buckle is also brushed.

The Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Shepard Fairey timepiece is available now as a limited edition in the Hublot e-shop and boutiques. Hublot and Shepard Fairey have agreed that this timepiece will help to raise funds for Amnesty International, an NGO formed of over 10 million people in 150 countries, which campaigns to put an end to human rights violations, in accordance with the theme of global harmony represented by the design engraved on the watch.

Price: € 21.700 – Limited Edition of 50 Pieces

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot

When a watch becomes a work of art: The Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black blurs the lines! For its first collaboration with a Japanese contemporary artist, Hublot has pushed at the boundaries of creation by developing a new dynamic on the theme of Murakami’s artistic emblem, the smiling flower.

Hublot loves Art! Before we know how to talk, we sing. Before we know how to write, we draw. We can barely stand up and we dance. Art is at the very foundation of human beings, a truth that has been embraced by the Hublot manufacture through its «The Art of Fusion» motto. The watchmaking manufacture regularly draws on great creative spirits. Their team of ambassadors is now joined for the first time by one of the most internationally renowned living artists and my personal favorite: Takashi Murakami. His visually very modern style offers a subtle reflection between Japanese tradition and pop culture. He masterfully achieves this result by combining leading-edge multimedia tools with traditional Japanese techniques such as gold leaf. A real rock star in the contemporary art world, he coined the name Superflat for the artistic movement he began.

Takashi Murakami visits the manufacture

An initial visit to the Hublot manufacture in February 2020 enabled Takashi Murakami to familiarise himself with the work of a watchmaker and timepiece design. This triggered a creative process that resulted in the very innovative Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami, inspired by Murakami’s icon, the smiling flower. Here, it is present both in and on the watch. Thanks to an ingenious ball-bearing system developed by Hublot’s engineers, its petals start turning. The center of the smiling flower is inserted onto the sapphire glass, creating a unique three-dimensional effect to go along with its wide prominent smile.

The Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black takes up one of the most evocative Hublot signatures, the All Black! Invented by Hublot in 2006, it turns out that the «All Black» style is also one of Murakami’s artistic signatures. For an even more pronounced effect, the petals (456 brilliants) and face (107 brilliants) are here set with black diamonds.

The watchmakers in Nyon have installed their manufacture Unico calibre in the case with its Classic Fusion emblematic design, a movement offering a 72-hour power reserve. As the first collaboration between Hublot and a Japanese artist, the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black will quickly become a real collector’s item since it is limited to only 200 models.

LoL, Sandra

Takashi Murakami wearing the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black

Photos: © Hublot
#Hublot #ClassicFusionTakashiMurakami 

LOUIS VUITTON CATWALK – The Complete Fashion Collections is the first comprehensive overview of Louis Vuitton’s collections, from their debut in 1998 to today, presented through original runway images.

Louis Vuitton S/S 2003 – Marc Jacobs (Bags in collaboration with Takashi Murakami)

Founded in 1854, Louis Vuitton launched its first fashion collection in 1998. Unprecedented global fame ensued, as did pioneering high-profile collaborations with artists such as Takashi Murakami, Richard Prince, and Stephen Sprouse. Louis Vuitton Catwalk records the hugely influential collections designed by artistic directors Marc Jacobs (1998–2013) and Nicolas Ghesquière, who helms the House today. Every ready-to-wear collection is represented from the arrival of Ghesquière onwards.

Louis Vuitton S/S 2012 – Marc Jacobs

Louis Vuitton Catwalk is completed with an introduction by Jo Ellison and designer profiles and collection texts by Louise Rytter.

Louis Vuitton S/S 2013 – Marc Jacobs

With over 1,350 images, this treasure trove of inspiration will be the musthave reference for all fashion professionals and Louis Vuitton fans.

Launch in store, worldwide, in July 2018.

LoL, Sandra

Louis Vuitton Resort 2017 in Rio de Janeiro – Nicolas Ghesquière

Louis Vuitton Resort 2018 in Japan – Nicolas Ghesquière

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Last weekend, I was in Paris to celebrate my daughter’s birthday with her girlfriends. On Saturday morning, we were very lucky as LOUIS VUITTON opened their Foundation Louis Vuitton exclusively for us so that we had a private tour all alone in the museum (a huge thank you!). I have to say this was one of the best experiences ever as the exhibitions are in general very well visited and crowded. Forget «A Night at the Museum», a day is much better ….

Having the exhibition all to ourselves was amazing…

We explored the Foundation’s new selection from its collection in an exhibition entitled In Tune with the World (AU DIAPASON DU MONDE) that will be open until August 27, 2018. This hanging of modern and contemporary works is presented in all the galleries throughout the stunning building designed by Frank Gehry.

Pretty impressive use of taxidermy, a race horse dangling from the ceiling: Maurizio Cattelan – «La ballata di Trotski» 1996

A sense of irony: Maurizio Cattelan – «Spermini» 1997, 150 latex masks that are self-portraits of the artist.

It invites visitors to reflect upon the place of humankind in the universe and the relationship between people and their environment and the living world. his reflects today’s questions about man’s place in the universe and the bonds that tie him to his surrounding environment and living world, highlighting the interconnections between humans, animals, plants, and even inanimate objects. The exhibition features nearly 30 artists – including Alberto Giacometti, Henri Matisse, Gerhard Richter, Pierre Huyghe, Yves Klein and Takashi Murakami – in a hanging that brings together modern and contemporary works.

Takashi Murakami aka Gero Tan Noahs Ark 2016

The exhibition spans all the galleries at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, organized in two complementary parts:

• Part A on Level 2 of the building (Galleries 9, 10 and 11) is entirely devoted to the world and works of one of my favorite artists in the world, Japanese born Takashi Murakami. Conceived in collaboration with him, this hanging is organized in three sequences: one centered on the artist’s alter ego DOB; a second is a monumental fresco, The Octopus Eats its Own Leg, displayed for the first time in public; and a third sequence featuring the Kawaii (which means “cute” in Japanese) aesthetic, comprising works in myriad different media.

Takashi Murakami – The Octopus Eats its Own Leg

• Part B is called Man in the Living Universe, featuring 28 French and international artists from different generations and works in a variety of media and techniques. This part stretches throughout the other three levels of the building, as well as the exterior, in the Grotto. Part B also comprises three sequences: Irradiances (Level 1), Here, Infinitely…” (Level 0) and The Man Who Capsizes (Level -1).

Yves Klein painted models in his favorite color and made them roll over the canvas for this masterpiece, «ANT 104, Anthropométrie sans titre», 1960

Giovanni Anselmo – «Entrare nell’Opera», 1971
Art changes people’s awareness of their relationship to the world.

Takashi Murakami

Let me tell you a little more about one of my favourite artists who collaborated with Louis Vuitton for over 13 years (2002-2015).

Some pieces from my own personal Louis Vuitton x Murakami collection.

Since the early 1990s, Takashi Murakami has been crafting a unique world of darkness and wonder, one populated by fantastic characters, marvellous animals, fabulous creatures and mischievous monsters.Blessed with an unbridled imagination and a resolutely innovative language combining ancient techniques and advanced technologies, his important body of work is marked by its multiplicity of forms and media – painting, sculpture, installations and even animated film.

A little kiss for Murakami’s artwork «Max & Shimon».

Drawing on Japan’s political, social and cultural history, his colour-saturated universe borrows as often from Kawaii aesthetics and manga pop as from the ancient masters of classical painting and Buddhist iconography. Also omnipresent are references to recent traumatic events, such as the atomic bomb and the tsunami.

Takashi Murakami Flower Ball – one of my favorite art works.

The exhibition In Tune with the World is accompanied by a series of conversations with artists and experts.

Location:
8, avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, Bois de Boulogne, 75116 Paris.
Exhibition until 27th August 2018
Reservations: on the website www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr.

LoL, Sandra

Portrait Takashi Murakami: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht