Louis Vuitton presented its cruise 2023 runway show at the Salk Institute in San Diego back in May 2022. The symmetrical concrete architecture of the complex was the backdrop of a collection teeming with strong, empowering silhouettes. But what was cleverly hidden were teases to a new collaboration with artist Yayoi Kusama—a 10-year-long reunion.
Referred to as Metal Dots, Kusama’s signature use of dots (motifs that represent infinity to her) has been reinterpreted as metallic embellishments. Silver orbs of varying sizes are precisely embedded by hand on a number of black and silver leather goods ranging from the Side Trunk to the cylindrical Cannes bag.
The bright multi-coloured Painted Dots rendition is the foundation of the Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama collection, and was seen on a number of bags on the runway as well. They appear intentionally haphazard atop the Louis Vuitton Monogram—a meeting of two icons—and stand out beautifully on grained leather pieces.
Off the runway, the latest Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama collection is more extensive. Metal Dots and Painted Dots decorate ready-to-wear and accessories beyond just the signature Louis Vuitton bag styles. This first drop of the collection also includes two other renditions of Kusama’s artistic creations: Infinity Dots, and Psychedelic Flower.
Infinity Dots is perhaps the most recognisable of Kusama’s works. Single-coloured painted dots proliferate in her signature combinations of black and white, red and white, yellow and black, as well as black and red. These make their presence known across pieces for both men and women—the former especially apparent in the LV Trainer sneakers—as well as a myriad of accessories including a Vivienne doll that’s been designed to resemble Kusama herself.
The Psychedelic Flower series takes reference from Kusama’s 1993 ‘Flower’ painting. The exotic flower unfurls in its entirety too across ready-to-wear and accessories, most prominently on a white leather Sac Plat bag. It is also rendered as a jacquard on wool tailoring for maximum artistic effect.
The first drop of the second Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama collection launches 6 January 2023 with a second drop scheduled for 31 March 2023. Regardless which motif one chooses and from which drop, there’s no denying the infinite allure and collectibility of every single piece.
