Louis Vuitton is blooming with artistic collaboration in its latest collection, ‘LV Art Silk Squares.’ The collection brings together five acclaimed artists, each reimagining the iconic Louis Vuitton monogram through the lens of floral motifs. From pixel art to graphic novels, these creatives infuse their distinct styles onto a canvas of luxurious silk, crafting a symphony of color and design.
The five participating artists are: eBoy (Germany), Icinori (France, Japan, Spain), Lorenzo Mattotti (Italy), Nicolas de Crécy (France), and Thomas Ott (Switzerland). Each artist has crafted a unique interpretation of the ‘flower’ theme, reinterpreting the Louis Vuitton monogram in their signature style while paying homage to the brand’s rich heritage.
The silk scarves are meticulously crafted in Como, Italy, a renowned center for silk craftsmanship for centuries. The collaboration between each artist, the Louis Vuitton studio in Paris, and the skilled Italian artisans results in breathtaking works of art. Each scarf is painstakingly printed with multiple layers of color on the finest white silk, faithfully recreating the original art piece. The process culminates in a traditional technique called ‘roulotture,’ where the edges are hand-sewn, adding a final touch of artistry and sophistication.
eBoy: ‘Maze of Precious’
eBoy, established in 1997 by Kai Vermehr, Steffen Sauerteig, and Sven Tönnes, is known for their pixel art, which gained widespread recognition with their urban landscape series, ‘Pixorama.’ Their silk scarf, ‘Maze of Precious,’ features the LV signature at the heart of a captivating maze. The maze’s borders are rendered in a variety of fabrics, from twill to satin. Within the maze, vibrant pixelated colors burst forth, featuring a kaleidoscope of rounded flowers, four-leaf clover motifs, and playful geometric insects, all interwoven with elements of the Louis Vuitton monogram pattern.
Icinori: ‘Malles Monde’
Icinori, the creative duo of Mayumi Otero and Rafael Urueña, seamlessly blends traditional art techniques with contemporary storytelling. Their work has graced the pages of renowned publications like ‘Le Monde’ and ‘The New York Times,’ and has been showcased in prestigious venues like the Centre Pompidou-Metz gallery and museum. Their vibrant silk scarf, ‘Malles Monde,’ for Louis Vuitton celebrates the brand’s legacy of trunk making and the essence of travel. It depicts a trunk adorned with blooming flora and monogram symbols, symbolizing eternal renewal and the continuous journey of life.
Lorenzo Mattotti: ‘Iris Spring’
Lorenzo Mattotti, known for his dreamlike worlds crafted with colored pencils and pastels in acclaimed comic books like ‘Fires’ and ‘Murmur,’ as well as illustrations featured in ‘The New Yorker’ and ‘Süddeutsche Zeitung,’ pays homage to the stunning Art Nouveau stained-glass windows of the historic Vuitton family mansion in the brand’s atelier in Asnières. His silk scarf, ‘Iris Spring,’ portrays the graceful form of the iris amidst a tapestry of vibrant trees and cascading waterfalls, creating a magnificent kaleidoscope of fantasy.
Nicolas de Crécy: ‘Parfums de Méditerranée’
Nicolas de Crécy, a French graphic novelist and illustrator known for his avant-garde and surreal storytelling in works like ‘Foligatto’ and ‘Salvatore,’ takes us on a fragrant journey to the Provençal paradise. Inspired by the gardens of Grasse, where Louis Vuitton’s scents are born, his scarf showcases his signature whimsical style. The scarf depicts a captivating panorama of majestic mountains, intricately rendered aromatic flowers, and a playful interplay of the monogram pattern.
Thomas Ott: ‘Urban Flowers’
Thomas Ott, a Swiss artist renowned for his dark and impactful graphic novels like ‘The Number 73304-23-4153-6-96-8,’ uses scratchboard to create pure black and white worlds, unfolding visual stories with meticulous detail. His silk scarf, ‘Urban Flowers,’ employs this demanding artistic technique. The scarf showcases a delicate and surreal chiaroscuro (contrast between light and dark), transforming flowers into symbols of the untamed human spirit, representing the power of nature to transform our lives in the urban jungle.
The limited-edition designs of the ‘LV Art Silk Squares’ collection will be available starting August 30th at Louis Vuitton Ginza Namiki-dori store and Maison Osaka Midosuji. Each scarf is priced at ¥79,200 and measures 90 x 90 cm.
This collection offers a unique opportunity to wear a piece of art or display it as a framed masterpiece. The ‘LV Art Silk Squares’ collection is a testament to the enduring power of collaboration and the exquisite artistry that elevates Louis Vuitton’s commitment to luxury.
