Louis Vuitton unveils its Murakami collaboration re-edition at pop-up in Joo Chiat

A heritage Peranakan shophouse at 72 Joo Chiat Place, at the junction of Everitt Road, has been transformed into an eclectic, colourful showcase of the latest Louis Vuitton x Murakami collection.

Long acclaimed for his unique take on traditional Japanese art, sci-fi, anime, and kawaii characters, Takashi Murakami often depicted these elements in repetitive motifs in paintings, sculptures, and films that blend pop culture with history and fine art.

And his epic sold-out collaboration with Louis Vuitton back in 2005, which reinterprets the maison’s iconic monogram playfully, is returning today. This extensive re-edition, launched exclusively in Singapore within the Southeast Asia and Pacific region, boasts over 200 wide-ranging creations spanning shoes and the popular City Bags to hair accessories, silk squares, and even a skateboard.

While the previous edition’s assortment has gone down in history as highly sought-after contemporary art collectibles, this release ups the ante with the latest advances in technology while retaining the French house’s tradition of savoir faire and craftsmanship. The printing process now boasts greater definition, affording improved colour vividness and precision of Murakami’s characters and motifs.

The Monogram Multicolore, as well as the interlocking LV and floral motifs, are rendered in 33 different hues more resplendent than ever on such items as the emblematic Keepall, Speedy, belts, wallets, and Rolling Trunk. Find the whimsical LV Hands logo on Alma BB bags and a silk Carre scarf, while the Superflat Panda and Superflat Garden make an appearance on sneakers, keyrings, and perfume bottles. And the list of reworked house motifs goes on.

To see the entire range for yourself, head down to the immersive pop-up from today until January 19, from noon to 8pm from Monday to Thursday, and 11am to 9.30pm from Friday to Sunday. This experience is only staged in six other cities across the globe, namely London, Milan, New York City, Seoul, Shanghai, and Tokyo.

The set-up features four distinct zones — Retail Space, Cinema, Care Station and Cafe, which means you could really make an afternoon in Katong out of this showcase, whose pastel-coloured yet minimalist design takes inspiration from Tokyo’s distinct modular hotels.

You could even drop your existing Louis Vuitton x Murakami bag off at the Care Station for a complimentary, on-the-spot canvas and metal cleaning, or change of parts for the sliders, straps, handles, and more. A paint care service is also provided but requires at least a day of turnaround.

Products from this pop-up are from Chapter One of the collaboration, and currently available to order. Chapter Two will be launched this March, focusing on the artist’s springtime-ready Cherry Blossom pattern.

Register your interest for this event at this link, but for spontaneous walk-ins, do note the black-out dates and timings on the same webpage.