Louis Vuitton Unveils Hotly Anticipated Collaboration with Yayoi Kusama

For a second time, the Japanese artist has reimagined the world of the iconic French fashion house through the lens of her abstract aesthetic

Ever wonder what it’s like inside the mind of famed Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama? Whilst it may be difficult for the 93-year-old to articulate just how she sees the world, she’s done a fantastic job of bringing it to life throughout the course of her career — and her perception often manifests in the form of collaborations, starring her signature spots. From Lancôme to Marc Jacobs, Yayoi has collaborated with some of the biggest names in fashion and beauty, along with other creatives across film and art. 

Now she’s joining forces, again, with one of the biggest powerhouses in the world of luxury fashion: Louis Vuitton. Bazaar Arabia shares a glimpse into the eclectic collection that has been adorned with her beloved Yayoi Kusama spots.

All About Yayoi…

Yayoi Kusama is known around the world as an artist with a signature style of inserting motifs that transform empty canvases into colourfully printed works of art; To Kusama, the addition of her characteristic polka dots represents an image of infinity.

The first time Louis Vuitton and Yayoi Kusama collaborated, the artist painted her motifs on one of the most timeless pieces in the Maison’s catalogue — a Louis Vuitton trunk.

The luxury fashion house decided to collaborate with the unbounded artist a second time and she replicated the exact form of her dots from their first partnership with utmost precision.

Louis Vuitton and Yayoi Kusama unite through the pursuit of perfection in their craft. They both want the users of the accessories to recognise the time and effort invested in the creation of these pieces, truly works of art in their own right.

The Collections

Described as “infinity-mirrored”, the Louis Vuitton X Yayoi Kusama collaboration combines the Maison’s iconic designs with the artist’s expansive creativity.

Kusama’s themes of infinity translate to Louis Vuitton through the promise of durability, strength, and transformation.

Their collaborative effort has resulted in the creation of customized products for men and women. These include accessories, ready-to-wear, bags, luggage, trunks, shows, and fragrances that are divided into two Drops.

Launched in China and Japan on January 1, 2023, the rest of the world was introduced to Drop 1 products on January 6, 2023. Passionate collectors will have to wait a bit longer, until March 31, 2023, for Drop 2.

Painted Dots

Kusama’s celebrated painted dots are showcased here using embossed printing techniques on coated leather canvas. The recognisable dots merge with the Louis Vuitton monogram and blend into a seamless pattern.

Metal Dots

Inspired by the artist’s mirrored orbs, silver orbs are embedded into black and silver leather women’s accessories with careful precision in this collection within “Drop 1.” The futuristic motifs stand out against timeless leather.

Infinity Dots

Blending into a sea of obsessive dots in dual tones, the Infinity Dots are the most well-known of Kusama’s patterns that are replicated in a Drop 1 collection for the fashion house.

Psychedelic Flower Collections

Immortalised in the canvas of wool-tailored suiting and other accessories crafted by the Maison, Kusama’s fleeting portrait of floral beauty contrasts with her lasting themes of Infinity.

For more information, visit me.louisvuitton.com

Lead Image Courtesy/ @yayoikusamamuseum on Instagram