Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami: A Collector’s Dream

Born in 1962 in Tokyo, Murakami studied animation before earning a doctorate at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. Inspired by Japanese painting, manga, sci-fi and pop culture, Murakami fuses his Japanese culture with the international Pop Art style. His artwork has been featured in exhibitions across the globe, including Flowers: Flora in Contemporary Art & Culture at the Saatchi Gallery, London. In the 1990s, Murakami expanded his artistic horizon to New York and later founded a studio in Japan, producing Murakami merchandise and collaborating with brands like Issey Miyake and Louis Vuitton.

The Original 2003 Collaboration

In 2003, Louis Vuitton partnered with Murakami to launch a bold reimagining of the brand’s classic monogram. The result was the Monogram Multicolore collection, featuring 33 vibrant colourways printed on white or black canvas. Designed under the creative direction of Marc Jacobs, the collaboration fused luxury fashion with pop art, creating a playful aesthetic that defined early 2000s style.

The Collections of Murakami

Murakami’s work with Louis Vuitton spanned over a decade, producing several standout collections. These included:

Cherry (or Cerises) (2003)

Cherry Blossom (2003)

Monogramouflage (2008)

Cosmic Blossom (2010)

Each introduced new motifs and colour palettes, blending Murakami’s Japanese cultural influences with Vuitton’s heritage craftsmanship.

Among the most recognisable pieces are the Speedy in Multicolore, the Heartbreaker, and the Theda bag. These designs often featured bold prints, gold-tone hardware, and playful detailing. This made them instant favourites among celebrities like Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, and later Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid. Though officially discontinued in 2015, demand for these styles has surged in recent years, driven by nostalgia and limited availability.

In 2025, Louis Vuitton revived the collaboration with updated printing techniques and a fresh take on Murakami’s visionary motifs. The new campaign, fronted by Zendaya, reintroduces the joyful spirit of the original designs while celebrating the cultural significance of cherry blossoms in Japanese art, symbolising renewal and impermanence.

Murakami Second Hand

Today, Murakami’s creations have become coveted collector’s items on the resale market, with their scarcity and nostalgic appeal fuelling high demand. These pieces represent more than just handbags; they’re wearable art. At Fellows, we continue to see strong results for these designs, with prices often exceeding estimates and expect this to only increase with the renewed interest in the collaboration.

Lots featured in the August Handbag & Accessories auction include a selection of Multicolore and Cherry Blossom pieces.