Pumpkins, Polka Dots, and Designer Products That Scream Icon

Yayoi Kusama facing Headquarters of the House of LV, Paris

This Fall, we celebrate the spirit of unity and togetherness by showcasing one of the most infuential  generational artists, Yayoi Kusama...

In January 2022, Louis Vuitton and Kusama collaborated on a global scale to blend designer fashion with genius artwork, unifying both fashion and art in the most colorful and refreshing way. Fashion and art have always been intertwined in society and having a staple piece in your closet is, for many, the same as having a staple piece on your wall. The potential longevity of both spaces has created a very interesting universe where both are valuable investments and can coexist beautifully. 

Yayoi Kusama has been a fixture in Japanese art and culture for decades due to her infusion of Japan's culture, minimalistic designs and honesty with self and society. Armed by a mixture of polka dots, flowers, and the psychedelic influence, the beauty of Yayoi Kusama's artistry is in her ability to create magic in any space she touches. An intimate honesty within her own experiences in life and a reflection of society as seen in Narcissus Garden, 1966, forges something sweet and refreshing about her style of creation.

As Seen in Vogue, when Louis Vuitton and Kusama collaborated in January 2022, the results cultivated exhilarating pop ups in LV stores across the globe. The traditional LV Bags, Jackets, Sunglasses, Pants, Luggage, Perfumes and anything in-betweens were adorned with Yayoi Kusama's cheerful color palette in the shapes of sunflowers, pumpkins, polka dots, butterflies etc. 

Fashion has been a part of Yayoi's life for a long time, having run her own fashion brand in the 1960s "I have been making my clothes since I was a teenager…At that time, fashion and art were two completely different genres, but I have never made a distinction between them. I don't think of them as separate because that way I can explore new fields…" (Vogue) 

Yoyoi's incredible artistry can be seen in her series of pumpkins. The bright yellows, reds, black, and whites speckled with polka dots bring the viewer a sense of cheer and joy. Each pumpkin has its unique shape and texture but the dotted design creates this collective image of unity. When partnering with Louis Vuitton a year ago, her bold and colorful designs worked beautifully on the designer merchandise.

 

 

LV x YK LV Squad Sneaker Boot

 

Any staple piece, whether a painting, sculpture, bag, coat or shoe is a sure way to make guests or passersby take note of your investment in space and/or style. If anything, Yayoi Kusama would have most definitely approved, just as long as you don a polka dot or two!