Global fashion powerhouse Louis Vuitton has announced the revival of its iconic collaboration with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, a collection that defined the early 2000s and captured the vibrant essence of the Y2K era. The brand is tapping into the resurgence of early 2000s fashion trends, particularly popular among Gen Z, to relaunch this celebrated collection. Actress Zendaya leads the campaign, appearing in Y2K-inspired visuals and two short films showcasing the collection’s signature designs.
According to WWD, the original Murakami collection was revealed in early 2003, during Louis Vuitton’s Spring show. The designs were colorful and cartoonish, reminiscent of the Japanese anime aesthetic that was growing in popularity at the time. In that one year, the collection raked in over $300 million in sales, with its items remaining popular as the years progressed.
The Louis Vuitton X Murakami collection will feature 200 pieces of its classic designs on various Louis Vuitton items, including its City Bags and other accessories like scarves, sunglasses, fashion jewelry, sneakers, perfume bottles, and more.
In an interview with WWD, Louis Vuitton CEO Pietro Beccari and Takashi Murakami reflected on the reasons for reviving the collaboration. “The decision was influenced by several factors, including the surge in vintage and secondhand markets and the organic resurgence of these pieces among celebrities,” Beccari shared. He emphasized the importance of introducing the collection to a new generation while honoring its original charm, stating, “We wanted to connect with a younger audience who appreciates Y2K aesthetics but may not have experienced this collaboration firsthand.”
The collection will be available in two drops, with the first launching in January 2025 and the second in February.
Additionally, customers will be able to participate in various live events in multiple cities globally, such as Tokyo, Milan, New York, and Seoul, to celebrate the collection’s re-release. Those events include pop-up cafés, cinemas, care stations, and vending machines
