In 1997 the Iconic French design house Louis Vuitton tapped New York born designer Marc Jacobs as their new creative director. During Jacobs creative direction he modernised many of the house's offerings by curating a more edgy, youthful and contemporary look during his time at the helm – not only through his own keen eye but with with the support and collaboration of many contemporary artists such as Richard Prince, Yayoi Kusama, Jeff Koons and Takashi Murakami.
Takashi Murakami, born and raised in Tokyo, is a prominent and globally renowned Japanese contemporary artist most known for his expressive use of colour and playful graphics. In 2002, after finding artistic success in the 90’s making social commentary through his japanese pop-art style, Jacobs invited Murakami for a collaboration on Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2003 runway collaboration – one that changed the trajectory of both the artist and house.
Making its first appearance on the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2003 runway Murakami plays with the iconic LV house monogram featuring a plethora of colours from all spectrums of the rainbow within the print as well as making use of cartoon creatures and prints of little flowers.
This collection was celebrated at the time for its optimism and playful nature and looking back now we can see it as the perfect encapsulation of the Y2K spirit of the time. In 2002 Sarah Mower of Vogue wrote "Marc Jacobs' latest for Louis Vuitton is so very kawaii it's going to drive young women everywhere utterly nuts. Girl nation was thrown for a loop.”
A physical symbol of pop culture and a true amalgamation of art and fashion, this collaboration has well and truly made its mark in fashion history, thanks to the ability of Murakmai to blur the line between high and low and the initial creative direction of Jacobs to bring Murakami into the fold of LV.
Paris Hilton, Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Lindsay Lohan and Jessica Simpson all toted the iconic collab since its introduction to the market in the aughties and it has remained an extremely sought after and coveted cult classic ever since!
At Gimme Glitter we are just obsessed with this collaboration and are so excited to offer a piece of this part of fashion history in store now.
This adorable Pink Flower Murakami Pochette is now available in store today! Check it out here!
XOXO,
Team Gigli