Since its inception in 1854, the iconic brand has never ceased to push boundaries and create a sense of exclusivity. Over the years, Louis Vuitton has collaborated with various artists, designers, and celebrities, creating unique and extraordinary pieces.
When it comes to luxury and high-fashion, Louis Vuitton is a name that reigns supreme. Since its inception in 1854, the iconic brand has never ceased to push boundaries and create a sense of exclusivity. Over the years, Louis Vuitton has collaborated with various artists, designers, and celebrities, creating unique and extraordinary pieces. In this article, we explore the 10 best Louis Vuitton collaborations of all time.
The collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Supreme in 2017 was a significant milestone in the fashion industry, as it marked the convergence of high fashion and streetwear. This unexpected partnership between the luxury French brand and the New York-based skateboarding brand pushed the boundaries of what collaborations could look like. The collection, designed by Kim Jones, Louis Vuitton’s then-menswear creative director, and James Jebbia, the founder of Supreme, seamlessly blended the aesthetics of both brands, resulting in a unique and highly sought-after collection.
The Louis Vuitton x Supreme collection featured an array of products, including leather goods, apparel, and accessories. The iconic Monogram canvas was emblazoned with Supreme’s bold red logo, making a powerful statement about the fusion of luxury and street culture. The collection included pieces such as the Monogram Box Logo hoodie, the signature Keepall Bandouliere bag, and the Christopher backpack. The collaboration proved to be a massive success, with fans and fashion enthusiasts lining up for hours to get their hands on the limited-edition pieces. Additionally, it paved the way for other luxury brands to embrace streetwear and collaborate with similar labels, transforming the landscape of high fashion collaborations.
The Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami collaboration, which began in 2003 and lasted until 2015, is considered one of the most iconic partnerships in the history of fashion. Takashi Murakami, a renowned Japanese contemporary artist known for his vibrant and playful style, infused his distinctive aesthetic into Louis Vuitton’s classic designs. The collaboration was initiated by Marc Jacobs, who sought to rejuvenate the brand’s image by introducing a fresh perspective and attracting a younger audience. This partnership resulted in several collections that seamlessly blended Murakami’s distinctive artistic flair with Louis Vuitton’s luxury and craftsmanship.
The most famous product of this collaboration is the Multicolore Monogram, which features the classic LV monogram in 33 different colors against a white or black background. This reinterpretation of the traditional monogram became an instant classic and a symbol of early 2000s fashion. Other notable collections from this partnership include the Monogramouflage, which combined the monogram pattern with camouflage, and the Cherry Blossom, featuring smiling cherry blossoms alongside the iconic monogram. The Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami collaboration also introduced the playful character “Panda,” which adorned various leather goods and accessories. The impact of this partnership is still felt today, as it redefined the concept of luxury fashion collaborations and set a new standard for the fusion of art and fashion.
In 2012, Louis Vuitton collaborated with Yayoi Kusama, a world-renowned Japanese artist celebrated for her distinct style characterized by repetitive patterns and bold, immersive environments. This partnership resulted in a mesmerizing collection that brought Kusama’s signature polka dots to the world of high fashion. The collaboration was initiated by Marc Jacobs, who was inspired by Kusama’s avant-garde approach to art and her ability to create visually striking pieces that captured the public’s imagination. The Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama collection showcased the versatility and innovation of both the brand and the artist, making it a truly unforgettable collaboration.
The collection included an array of leather goods, ready-to-wear, accessories, and shoes, all adorned with Kusama’s hypnotic polka dot patterns. The iconic Monogram canvas was reimagined with Kusama’s distinctive dots, creating a fresh and eye-catching look. Standout pieces from the collection included the Pumpkin Dots leather handbags, the Infinity Kusama charm bracelets, and the Kusama Wave shoes. The collaboration also extended beyond fashion, as Louis Vuitton exhibited Kusama’s artwork in their boutiques and sponsored her retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. The Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama collaboration remains a testament to the power of combining art and fashion, as it introduced a new dimension of creativity and innovation to the luxury brand.
The 2008 collaboration between Louis Vuitton and American artist Richard Prince brought the world of contemporary art to the realm of high fashion, resulting in a provocative and unique collection. Prince, known for his innovative techniques of appropriation and recontextualization, infused his signature “Joke Paintings” and “Nurse Paintings” into Louis Vuitton’s designs. This collaboration, orchestrated by creative director Marc Jacobs, was a testament to Louis Vuitton’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what could be achieved within the luxury fashion industry.
The Louis Vuitton x Richard Prince collection featured handbags, accessories, and apparel that incorporated the artist’s provocative artwork. Standout pieces included the Aquarelle Watercolor Speedy bag, which showcased Prince’s reinterpretation of the Monogram canvas with watercolor splotches, and the Jokes totes, which featured Prince’s tongue-in-cheek humor with jokes printed across the bags. The collaboration also saw the introduction of the Monogram Mancrazy and Monogram Jokes bags, which featured the artist’s signature Nurse Paintings. By merging the worlds of contemporary art and luxury fashion, the Louis Vuitton x Richard Prince collaboration broke new ground and created an unforgettable collection that remains highly coveted by collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike.
In 2001, Louis Vuitton embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration with the late American artist and designer Stephen Sprouse. Known for his pioneering role in the 1980s New York art scene, Sprouse’s edgy, punk-inspired aesthetic breathed new life into Louis Vuitton’s classic designs. Under the creative direction of Marc Jacobs, the partnership marked one of the first significant collaborations between a luxury fashion house and a contemporary artist. The innovative fusion of Sprouse’s graffiti art with the iconic Monogram canvas created a fresh and modern look that appealed to a younger generation of fashion enthusiasts.
The collaboration was so successful that Louis Vuitton reissued the collection in 2009 to commemorate Sprouse’s influence on the brand and the fashion industry as a whole. The 2009 collection expanded on the original graffiti designs, introducing new colors and patterns, as well as incorporating Sprouse’s signature rose motif. Standout pieces from the collection included the Graffiti Speedy bag, featuring Sprouse’s neon graffiti overlaid on the classic Monogram canvas, and the Monogram Roses collection, which showcased the artist’s bold rose pattern on a range of leather goods and accessories. The Louis Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse collaboration remains a testament to the brand’s willingness to embrace contemporary art and pop culture, as it continues to inspire and influence the world of luxury fashion.
The 2017 collaboration between Louis Vuitton and American artist Jeff Koons, known for his larger-than-life sculptures and thought-provoking installations, was a bold exploration of the intersection of high art and high fashion. Dubbed the “Masters” collection, this partnership showcased classic artworks by renowned painters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Titian, reimagined on Louis Vuitton’s iconic bags and accessories. The collection was a tribute to the enduring influence of these great artists while simultaneously elevating the concept of wearable art.
Koons, known for challenging conventions in the art world, brought his unique vision to the collaboration by incorporating his signature metallic reflective elements and reinterpreting the paintings in a contemporary context. Standout pieces from the collection included the Van Gogh “A Wheatfield with Cypresses” Neverfull bag, the Da Vinci “Mona Lisa” Speedy bag, and the Titian “Mars, Venus, and Cupid” Pochette. Each piece featured a reimagined version of the classic artwork alongside Koons’ initials and reinterpretations of the iconic Louis Vuitton monogram. The Louis Vuitton x Jeff Koons collaboration was a celebration of the transformative power of art, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of luxury fashion and exploring new avenues of creative expression.
The appointment of Virgil Abloh as the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear in 2018 marked the beginning of a new era for the iconic luxury brand. Abloh, a multidisciplinary artist, designer, and DJ, is best known as the founder of the cult streetwear label Off-White. With his appointment, Abloh became the first African-American to lead a major French luxury fashion house. His unique blend of avant-garde streetwear sensibilities, combined with the time-honored craftsmanship and luxury of Louis Vuitton, has produced unforgettable collections that have resonated with a younger and more diverse audience.
Since taking the helm, Abloh has introduced innovative designs, materials, and concepts to the brand, seamlessly blending the worlds of street culture and luxury fashion. Some of the standout pieces from his tenure include the iridescent Prism Keepall Bandoulière, the Monogram Soft Trunk bag with contrasting hardware, and the monochromatic “Clouds” collection. Abloh’s vision has also extended beyond fashion, as he has used his platform at Louis Vuitton to address social and environmental issues, champion diversity, and promote sustainability. The ongoing collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Virgil Abloh is a testament to the brand’s willingness to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the fashion industry while remaining true to its roots in luxury and craftsmanship.
In 2017, Louis Vuitton joined forces with Japanese designer Hiroshi Fujiwara’s streetwear brand, Fragment Design, to create a limited-edition collection that merged the minimalist design philosophy of Fragment with the luxury aesthetic of Louis Vuitton. Fujiwara, often regarded as the “godfather of streetwear,” has had a profound influence on contemporary fashion through his collaborations and his role in shaping Tokyo’s street culture. The partnership marked another step in Louis Vuitton’s foray into the world of streetwear and showcased the brand’s ability to transcend boundaries and appeal to a wide range of audiences.
The Louis Vuitton x Fragment Design collection featured a range of leather goods, apparel, and accessories that combined the brand’s signature Monogram canvas with Fragment’s understated and clean design elements. Standout pieces from the collection included the Monogram Eclipse Bandana, the Fragment Design motif t-shirts, and the Black Monogram Eclipse Nano Bag. The collaboration also saw the introduction of a unique, limited-edition Monogram camouflage pattern on select pieces. The partnership between Louis Vuitton and Fragment Design further solidified the luxury brand’s commitment to exploring new territories within the fashion world while maintaining its core values of craftsmanship, innovation, and exclusivity.
In 2021, Louis Vuitton collaborated with the Italian design atelier Fornasetti, renowned for its whimsical decorative objects, furniture, and accessories, to create a remarkable collection that blended the artistic sensibilities of both brands. This partnership showcased Fornasetti’s signature illustrative style alongside Louis Vuitton’s iconic Monogram and Epi leather patterns, resulting in a unique fusion of art and luxury fashion. By incorporating key motifs and imagery from Fornasetti’s vast artistic archives, the collaboration paid homage to the Italian atelier’s rich design heritage while elevating Louis Vuitton’s classic designs.
The Louis Vuitton x Fornasetti collection featured an extensive array of leather goods, ready-to-wear, accessories, and home items, all adorned with Fornasetti’s distinctive illustrations. Standout pieces included the Capucines bag with architectural Fornasetti prints, the Monogram Fornasetti trunk featuring the iconic Fornasetti face, and the Epi leather Petite Malle with intricate hand-painted motifs. The collaboration also extended to a range of scarves, textiles, and porcelain collectibles, all showcasing the intricate and playful designs that have become synonymous with the Fornasetti brand. The Louis Vuitton x Fornasetti partnership demonstrated the limitless potential of combining art and fashion, resulting in a collection that remains highly coveted by collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike.
The period between 1997 and 2013, when Marc Jacobs served as the creative director of Louis Vuitton, is often considered a transformative era for the luxury brand. Although not a conventional collaboration, Jacobs’ influence on the brand during his tenure was so significant that it warrants mention in any discussion of Louis Vuitton’s most iconic partnerships. Tasked with revitalizing the brand and attracting a new generation of customers, Jacobs introduced ready-to-wear collections, experimented with new materials and designs, and collaborated with various artists, effectively revolutionizing Louis Vuitton’s image and laying the groundwork for future collaborations.
During his time at Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs oversaw a series of successful collaborations with renowned artists, including Takashi Murakami, Yayoi Kusama, and Stephen Sprouse, among others. These partnerships not only pushed the boundaries of luxury fashion but also solidified Louis Vuitton’s position as an iconic and innovative brand. Jacobs’ influence extended beyond the artistic collaborations, as he played a pivotal role in creating some of the brand’s most recognizable and sought-after bags, such as the Neverfull, the Tribute Patchwork, and the Stephen Sprouse Graffiti bags. By incorporating contemporary art and pop culture into the brand’s designs, Marc Jacobs elevated Louis Vuitton to new heights and laid the foundation for a long-standing tradition of artistic collaborations that continue to define the brand today.
Louis Vuitton’s collaborations have played an integral role in the brand’s evolution and success, blending art, culture, and fashion in groundbreaking ways. By partnering with renowned artists, designers, and celebrities, Louis Vuitton continues to push the boundaries of luxury and exclusivity, solidifying its position as an iconic and highly coveted brand. As the world of fashion evolves, we can look forward to more exciting and innovative collaborations from Louis Vuitton in the future.
