Louis Vuitton and Japan: Visionary Journeys

Groundbreaking exploration of Louis Vuitton’s long-standing cultural exchange with Japan, tracing its profound impact on the evolution of the iconic luxury brand.

Published on the occasion of a major exhibition at Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka, Japan, this volume explores the deep and transformative relationship between Louis Vuitton and Japan, which has produced myriad innovative collaborations that have defined the brand and revolutionized contemporary fashion. This fresh perspective on the global impact of the luxury powerhouse follows Louis Vuitton’s journey from pioneering trunk innovations to its outsize influence on global street style, especially in Japan.

In the volume, the Maison’s history comes to life, from the evolution of its Monogram logo (which took inspiration, in part, from Japanese design) to the ingenious flat stackable trunk and patented lock innovations, alongside the brand’s bold expansion into Japan. The authors consider the house’s groundbreaking artistic collaborations most notably with artists Takashi Murakami (with his iconic ＂Monogramouflage＂) and Yayoi Kusama (with her signature polka-dot motifs) which transformed Louis Vuitton’s visual identity.

Beyond expertly tracing the Maison’s engagement with Japanese culture almost from the moment of its founding, the book explores Louis Vuitton’s broader impact on global fashion. It highlights landmark collections by artistic directors who have continually looked toward Japan for inspiration including Pharrell, Nicolas Ghesquière, Kim Jones, Virgil Abloh, and Marc Jacobs. With contributions from leading experts in fashion, and art and cultural history, this comprehensive volume--printed in five colors and bound in a three-piece cover with a printed cloth spine--illustrates how Louis Vuitton’s engagement with Japanese culture for more than a century has enriched its legacy and expanded the boundaries of luxury fashion.

An internationally renowned art and fashion curator, professor, and author, Florence Müller has held the positions of director and curator at Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, and of curator of fashion at the Denver Art Museum. Aurélie Samuel is a cultural heritage curator and Director of Art, Culture, and Heritage at Louis Vuitton. Bleue-Marine Massard is a French art historian specializing in the history of jewelry and cultural heritage. Coline Manesse is an art historian specializing in the history of fashion. Ian Luna is based in New York, and is the author and coauthor of a number of books on Louis Vuitton, including Louis Vuitton City Bags: A Natural History with Florence Müller.