Louis Vuitton
The decision by Louis Vuitton to hire actors as fake street-hawkers of real Louis Vuitton bags at the Murakami show in Brooklyn has surprised many people with its post-modern flight of imagination…
Wallpaper weighs in…
The tongue-in-cheek stunt brought to life the very serious issue: it’s still not a social taboo to see street vendors hawking counterfeited designs. Which is a strange injustice to the worlds of art and fashion when you consider the theft of intellectual property rights is a criminal offence.
Whilst cynics might argue that Louis Vuitton has managed to exploit the serious issue with a cunning retail opportunity, there’s no doubt that the publicity raised by the brand’s attachment to the cause can only be a good thing. — (Via Wallpaper)
But the street hawkers were only part of the way in which the show has challenged pre-existing attitudes. It has also created new debate again over the developing relationship between commerce and art…
This cross-fertilization creates mutual benefits and works through the interaction of two different worlds which speak the same language — of creativity, quality and emotion. — (Via Bloomberg)
Louis Vuitton
Last night in Brooklyn, Louis Vuitton officially revealed its new design; ‘monogramouflage’ created in collaboration between Takashi Murakami, Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton.
The Louis Vuitton products are for sale as part of the largest retrospective of Murakami ever staged; and the products are intended to be an integral part of the exhibition.
Speaking about the inclusion of the Louis Vuitton shop within the exhibition, Takashi Murakami stated, “The shop project is not a part of the exhibition; rather it is the heart of the exhibition itself. It holds at once the aspects that fuse, reunite, and then recombine the concept of the readymade. The Louis Vuitton project brings to life a wonderful new world.” — (Via Brooklyn Eagle)
Fans of Louis Vuitton will be familiar with Murakami’s cute alien designs from his previous collaborations with the brand.
However, they might be a bit less familiar with his rather more adult themes, such as, sperm lassoo boy… — (Via The Gothamist) ** NOT ENTIRELY SAFE FOR WORK
Louis Vuitton
WWD reports today that the launch of the Murakami / Louis Vuitton exhibition in Brooklyn tonight will ‘celebrate’ fake Louis Vuitton products as a way of drawing attention to the problem of counterfeiting; an issue, which according to the Ethical Corporation has exploded by 10,000% in the past two decades.
Outside the museum, Vuitton is setting up 10 New York-style street vendors — not to sell fakes, but rather authentic Louis Vuitton product and special Monogramouflage canvases that Murakami has created specifically for the exhibition.
While it may seem lighthearted on the surface, the presentation is meant to underscore just how serious Vuitton executives are taking the counterfeit trade, and how diligently they are working to stop copycats from getting their merchandise to consumers. — (Via WWD)
Louis Vuitton
Throughout its 150 year history, the Louis Vuitton brand has always been close to the idea of travel. While it has historically been more associated with ocean liners than automobiles, its connection to the automobile industry is not insignificant, as explored in a new book “The Art of the Automobile”.
Early luxury cars were often equipped with Louis Vuitton trunks and baggage; and in recent decades the company has built upon that heritage and enhanced its automotive ties by sponsoring prestigious classic car rallies across the globe, including in Italy, China, and Malaysia.
Explosive race cars that once competed at Le Mans, stately touring cars made for coursing through the European countryside, one-of-a-kind concept cars that represent the cutting edge of design in their day: From Alfa Romeo to Voisin, some of the most magnificent machines and the most extraordinary bodywork in the history of the automobile are gathered on these pages. Louis Vuitton has long paid tribute to automotive excellence and creativity by sponsoring vintage car rallies, concours d’elegance, and awards. — (Via Amazon.com)
