Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami: The popular collaboration is back at a special Singapore pop-up

Louis Vuitton has reunited with Japanese pop artist Takashi Murakami for a new take on the now iconic Monogram Multicolore. The Louis Vuitton x Murakami Chapter One was released on Wednesday (Jan 1).

The French fashion and lifestyle house championed the trend of art and luxury fashion crossovers in the noughties – long before such collaborations were the norm – partnering with the biggest names in the art scene including Yayoi Kusama, Stephen Sprouse, Richard Prince and Jeff Koons. Of these, the partnership with the Japanese artist is considered one of the most successful.

Then-artistic director Marc Jacobs had discovered Murakami’s vibrant artwork at an exhibit at the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art and tasked the Japanese artist to reimagine the iconic monogram print into wearable works of art.

The artist’s kaleidoscopic reinterpretation of Louis Vuitton’s brown monogram motif, highlighted in 33 different colours, premiered on Louis Vuitton’s 2003 Spring runway and the rest was fashion history.

To celebrate the re-edition, Singapore is one of six major cities handpicked to host a special pop-up. The others are New York, Milan, London, Seoul, Tokyo and Shanghai.

THE SINGAPORE POP-UP

Housed in a historic shophouse in Joo Chiat, expect to be greeted by an imaginative, colourful experience that underlines the Louis Vuitton x Murakami universe, with a touch of Peranakan.

Inside, visitors can explore four distinct zones.

1. Retail

Chapter One of the re-edition comprises the Monogram Multicolore and Superflat Panda creations of which there are over 200 styles, including popular bags such as the Keepall, Coussin, Dauphine, OnTheGo, Capucines, Alma and the Speedy. Leather goods like hats, belts, wallets and keyrings, as well as footwear and perfumes are also part of the collection.

There are also novelty items that are bound to excite serious collectors. These include a Superflat Panda skateboard and the Malle Wardrobe, a travel trunk containing 33 Speedy bags.

If you think the re-edition is just a replica of the original Monogram Multicolore, you’ll want to get up close to appreciate the difference.

The new re-edition collection may be a re-imagination of the original but thanks to advances in technology, the signature print features a greater definition, with improved vividness of colours and more precise details of each of Murakami’s characters and motifs.

Exclusive to this pop-up is a limited-edition Superflat Panda card holder. You’ll want to grab one before they run out.

Shoppers will also get a chance to try the Louis Vuitton x Murakami vending machine that dispenses exclusive limited-edition gifts including stickers, Tamagotchis and trading cards.

But try not to blow your entire budget on these fresh drops though, as Chapter Two of the Re-edition collection will be launched in March. That one will focus on the iconic Cherry Blossom pattern.

2. Cafe

3. Cinema

A cosy space where visitors can watch Murakmi’s original Superflat movies which have now been remastered for the special occasion. Here, you can catch his Superflat Monogram Film, which was released in 2003, and Superflat First Love Film from 2009. 

4. Care Station

There's a special "care station" where original pieces can be repaired. The maison’s artisans will carry out repair works on-site, which include replacing of certain parts, canvas and metal cleaning, and paint care. All to give the public a rare opportunity to observe them at work.

The Louis Vuitton x Murakami Singapore pop-up runs from Jan 4 to 19 at 72 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427789. Admission is complimentary. Visitors can register their interest online here. Walk-ins are also welcome. Opening hours: Mon to Thurs – 12pm to 8pm, Fri - Sun, 11am to 9.30pm.