A cherry-red summer finale for Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami collaboration

As Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami unveil the third and final chapter of their re-edition collection, the iconic Cherry motif returns to the world stage - ushering in a playful, sun-drenched celebration of creativity, nostalgia, and contemporary style

For two decades, the partnership between Louis Vuitton and Japanese artist Takashi Murakami has been a vivid thread in the tapestry of modern fashion. Their collaboration, which first burst onto the scene in 2003, redefined the boundaries between high art and luxury design, infusing the French maison’s classic Monogram with Murakami’s exuberant, pop-inspired universe. Now, as the world readies itself for summer, the duo’s creative journey comes full circle with the launch of Chapter Three - a jubilant, cherry-bright conclusion to a story that has delighted collectors and style aficionados across generations.

The Cherry motif returns

This latest chapter, launching globally on 22 May 2025, is a feast for the senses. At its heart is Murakami’s unmistakable Cherry icon: a pair of glossy, smiling cherries perched on a lush green stalk, rendered with meticulous care through cutting-edge techniques and multi-step serigraphy. The motif radiates across over 70 pieces, from handbags and luggage to silk scarves, footwear, and even an enchanting bicycle - each item a testament to Louis Vuitton’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.

The collection’s highlights are as playful as they are sophisticated. Alongside the beloved brown Monogram canvas, a crisp new white Monogram acts as a ‘blank canvas’ for the cherries, their 3d-printed glossiness making them pop with irresistible allure. Iconic bags such as the Speedy, Alma, and Side Trunk are transformed into summer essentials, while the Capucines range is adorned with whimsical cherry details - think metallic hanging cherries on decorative chains, or hidden motifs tucked into zip pulls and fasteners.

For denim devotees, a capsule of cherry-embroidered blue pieces-including the Pochette Accessoires and the Keepall 45 - adds a breezy, youthful twist. Accessories abound: silk squares flutter with delicate cherry motifs, bag charms bring a dash of fun, and a hand fan and deck chair promise a touch of Riviera chic for sun-soaked days.

A campaign in full bloom

To mark this milestone, Louis Vuitton has once again enlisted House Ambassador Zendaya for a visual campaign that captures the collection’s exuberant spirit. Shot by renowned photography duo Inez and Vinoodh, Zendaya is seen basking in Mediterranean summer scenes, surrounded by giant, joy-filled renderings of Murakami’s cherries. The result is a series of images that feel both cinematic and celebratory - a fitting tribute to a collaboration that has always danced on the edge of fantasy.

Legacy and contemporary relevance

What makes this final chapter so compelling is not just its nostalgia, but its relevance. The Louis Vuitton × Murakami partnership has always been about more than just pretty prints; it’s a creative dialogue that has shaped the way we think about luxury, collectability, and the joyful possibilities of fashion. The Cherry motif, with its kawaii charm and pop sensibility, bridges eras and communities - from the Y2K devotees who remember the originals, to Gen Z tastemakers seeking a slice of playful rebellion in a world of minimalism.

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