Takashi Murakami has the kind of childlike energy that only comes with age and wisdom.
Andwith his hotly anticipated collaboration with Louis Vuitton hitting stores in Januaryone of the biggest names in fashion.
In hindsight, the artists first collaboration with the leather goods brand for spring 2003 was a pivotal moment.
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Those 20 years have passed in the blink of an eye.
Naturally, theres also a pet bagwhats more Y2K than a portable chihuahua?
Zendaya behind-the-scenes at the Louis Vuitton x Murakami campaign.
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Zendaya behind-the-scenes for the Louis Vuitton x Murakami campaign.
Her power is completely different, the energy she has is on another level.
His famous rainbow flowers represent the hope that emerged in Japan following the aftermath of the atomic bombings.
Zendaya behind-the-scenes at the Louis Vuitton x Murakami campaign.
If I dont incorporate some shadows somehow, kids will feel like theyre being made fun of.
The world is a mess, full of desires.
The Marc Jacobs x Murakami bag from 2003.
Zendaya behind-the-scenes for the Louis Vuitton x Murakami campaign.
Murakami himself is, at least in some ways, as unimpeachably positive as his flowers.
At a time when many artists are worried about being replaced by AI, Murakami takes an optimistic view.
Photographers thought theyd disappear when smartphones took over, but of course they didnt, he says.
The Marc Jacobs x Murakami bag from 2003.
Its inevitable that things change.
Murakami is riding the wave.
Therein lies the eccentric curiosity that keeps Takashi Murakamis work as relevant today as it was two decades ago.
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Now, those children are grown up.
And what about Murakami himself?
A mischievous grin crinkles his face.
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Ive never become an adult!
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
