When we talk about luxury fashion brands, Louis Vuitton is one of the first names that come to mind. With its iconic monogram pattern and timeless designs, the brand has been a favorite among fashion enthusiasts for over 150 years.
However, in the early 2000s, Louis Vuitton made a bold move by collaborating with a graffiti artist to create a unique collection that caused quite a stir in the fashion industry. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at when the Louis Vuitton graffiti collection came out and how it became one of the most talked-about collaborations in fashion history.
Background
Before we delve into the Louis Vuitton graffiti collection, let’s first talk about the artist behind it – Stephen Sprouse. Sprouse was an American artist known for his work in various mediums such as painting, sculpture, and fashion design. He was also known for his use of graffiti art in his work and was considered one of the pioneers of combining street art with high fashion.
The Collaboration
Louis Vuitton’s creative director at the time, Marc Jacobs, was always on the lookout for ways to push boundaries and create something new. In 2001, he approached Sprouse with an idea to collaborate on a collection that would combine Louis Vuitton’s classic designs with Sprouse’s signature graffiti art.
The resulting collection featured Louis Vuitton’s iconic monogram pattern covered in neon-colored graffiti writing created by Sprouse. The collection included bags, scarves, shoes, and even clothing items like jackets and dresses.
The Release
The Louis Vuitton graffiti collection was released in 2001 and caused quite a stir among fashion enthusiasts. Some praised it for its boldness and creativity while others criticized it for straying too far from the brand’s classic designs.
Regardless of the mixed reactions, the collection was a commercial success and sold out within days of its release. It also paved the way for future collaborations between Louis Vuitton and artists, such as Takashi Murakami and Yayoi Kusama.
The Legacy
The Louis Vuitton graffiti collection may have been released over two decades ago, but its impact is still felt today. The collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Stephen Sprouse was a groundbreaking moment in fashion history that proved that high fashion could be edgy and daring.
The collection also helped to solidify Louis Vuitton’s reputation as a brand that isn’t afraid to take risks and try new things. And while the neon-colored graffiti may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s hard to deny that it left an indelible mark on the world of fashion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Louis Vuitton graffiti collection came out in 2001 as a collaboration between Louis Vuitton and artist Stephen Sprouse. The collection featured Louis Vuitton’s classic monogram pattern covered in neon-colored graffiti writing created by Sprouse.
While it received mixed reactions at the time, it has since become an iconic moment in fashion history that paved the way for future collaborations between luxury brands and artists. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that the Louis Vuitton graffiti collection made a lasting impact on the world of fashion.