It was 2003. Minimalist chic was the trend, and a sea of utilitarian grays and beiges reflecting the dismal outlook of a global economy coping with the effects of a recession. The world needed some cheering up, badly, surely—and it took two separate cultural superpowers, Louis Vuitton and Takahashi Murakami, to vault in for an era-defining collaboration that pioneered designer collabs as we know it today. Big names in pop culture, from Kanye West, Madonna, and Rihanna to Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, and fictional Regina George in Mean Girls cemented the kaleidoscopic Monogram Multicolore as a status symbol. Its value in the resale market today proves its enduring value.
Fast forward two decades: Louis Vuitton x Murakami returns with a re-edition that’s more than a re-edition in over 200 new creations. It feels as fresh today as it did 20 years ago.
Born in Tokyo in the 1960s, Murakami is one of the most influential artists of all time. His unique blend of traditional Japanese art, sci-fi, anime, and whimsical kawaii characters, often brought to life in repetitive motifs and depicted in paintings, sculptures, and films, embodies the intersection of pop culture, history, and fine art.
“At the time of its release, the contemporary art scene in New York was very conservative, and I think the fusing of art and fashion was not so widely accepted. Street art is a different story, but I remember because of that, when I exhibited my Monogram paintings in a gallery space, everyone was furrowing their eyebrows,” he reminisces.
But that’s what it’s like to be ahead of your time.
This story is from the January 03, 2025 edition of The Philippine Star.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 03, 2025 edition of The Philippine Star.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
David Pardo Ayala Moved to Manila with Knives, Cookbooks & a Heart Full of Love
While at the Culinary Institute of America in upstate New York over two decades ago, Colombian-born David Pardo Ayala met the love of his life, a Filipina named Gianella.
Lucky Dumpling opens at Hann Resorts
Ever been up to the Pampanga and Clark area and craved Chinese food? There is good news since Lucky Dumpling just opened at Hann Resorts in Clark and is a perfect place to have dim sum and Cantonese food for lunch or dinner, even if one is just passing by the area.
FROM LEGENDS TO CHART-TOPPERS: 2025 CONCERT LINEUP FOR EVERY MUSIC FAN
From Dionne Warwick to Boyz II Men, a bountiful lineup of nostalgia acts will be hitting the Philippine stage this year.
WHY STREAMING SERVICE MAX IS BETTING BIG ON FILIPINO VIEWERS
ONE OF THE BIGGEST HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LOCAL entertainment scene in the last quarter of 2024 was the entry of a new streaming service: Max. The platform, operated by Warner Bros. Discovery, brings together iconic brands such as HBO, Harry Potter, Cartoon Network and the DC Universe under one umbrella.
50th MMFF Extends Run Until Jan. 14 Due to 'Public Demand'
The 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is set to continue for an additional week due to \"insistent public demand.\"
Jollibee Takes Majority Control of Taiwan-Based Soup Brand
Asian food conglomerate Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) is boosting its position in the Chinese cuisine segment with the acquisition of a majority stake in a leading wellness soup brand in Taiwan.
DA funds to cushion impact of imports get substantial hike
Filipino farmers affected by imports, especially coffee and poultry producers, are expected to get at least a billion peso worth of support this year after the Department of Agriculture (DA) received an exponential increase in its earmarked fund meant to enhance farmers’ competitiveness.
The reality on the ground can damage reputation
Are we like goslings or baby geese that follow a mother goose wherever it goes? It appears that way, at least in my case.
MGen unit bags 600-MW gas project in Singapore
PacificLight Power Pte. Ltd. (PLP), controlled by Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen), has secured the right to build, own and operate a 600-megawatt gas plant in Singapore.
Market Stays Blemish-Free in 2025
The local stock market has kept its record blemish-free so far this year, extending its winning streak to three sessions ahead of the release of the country's December inflation data today.
