Takashi Murakami x Marc Jacobs
Image by Marc Jacobs via Marc Jacobs
On December 1st, Marc Jacobs released a new, limited edition perfume collection. This was also a collaboration with contemporary artist Takashi Murakami. The collection is a creative design twist of the brands popular “Daisy by Marc Jacobs” perfumes. They include an iconic Murakami character alongside 3 new scents for the redesigns.
Takashi Murakami is an artist best known for his contributions through the Superflat movement. “Superflat” is a theory created by Murakami that “connects traditional Japanese styles and aesthetics to postwar popular culture” (Dazed). The style particularly references the Edo period in Japanese history, which was characterized by its “flat” artistic aesthetic. It is also influenced by the “unique post World War II anime and manga craze” (TheArtStory). Through Superflat, artists push the limits of what traditional Japanese art is, ensuring that it is spread and seen around the world. It is also an art style that is meant to explain the consumer culture that exists in the world. This can be seen through Murakami’s work, as he oftentimes references anime to create and share his personal stories about Japanese culture and society. In his work, he is able to mix adorable and fun characters with darker, more deeper topics. Throughout his work, there is also a pattern of bright colors used, mixed in with clean line art. Much of his work is available in museum exhibitions around the world, with one piece displayed here in the Art Institute of Chicago.
Takashi Murakami, “Mr. Pointy”, 2011. Art Institute of Chicago.
Murakami has also been an impactful artist, as he has been successful in commercializing his artwork. He was able to fund his own art company called KaiKai KiKi CO., Ltd. Through this company, he is able to work with other young Japanese artists in different art journeys, helping them gain exposure internationally. He also sells merchandise through the company and hosts his own art festival in Tokyo. As an artist, he has also done various collaborations with brands and other artists. Some of his most well known contributions has been through making the album cover art for singers Kanye West and J Balvin. In modern time, much of his art can be found in various products such as pillows, keychains, footwear, clothing and more.
Image by Louis Vuitton via Louis Vuitton
The renowned artist has had a long history with Louis Vuitton, their first collaboration happening in 2003. The collaboration came to fruition through the creative director at the time, Marc Jacobs. Jacobs was known to love and be involved with contemporary art, having collaborated with other artists before Murakami. The collection involved handbags in black and white, with the Louis Vuitton logo in bright colors. From this first collaboration, a strong bond between the Louis Vuitton brand and Murakami came to fruiton. Year after year, Murakami’s work would be incorporated in more products of the brand, including Murakami’s iconic cherry blossom artwork, panda characters and MOCA hands. These collaborations perfectly encapsulated the connection between Japanese influence on Western culture. The products were available for years, until Marc Jacob’s departure from Louis Vuitton in 2014. After years of no production, the brand announced that their collection pieces with Murakami would be re-released starting January of this year. Many fans anticipated this re-release, especially those who have admired Murakami’s work for years. This was an important re-lease as it also celebrated 20 years since the first collaborations creation. It included bags, scarves, glasses and new designs through a modern lens.
Now, in October of this year - a completely new Murakami collection was announced, with the Daisy by Marc Jacob’s perfumes. This collection pays homage to the relationship between Marc Jacobs and Murakami. In this collaboration, the perfumes will have Murakami’s iconic smiling flower as part of the design. Retail stores such as Ulta, announced that purchase of a perfume will come with merchandise. The merchandise includes an umbrella, robe, laptop case and more that will be handed out while supply lasts. The perfumes currently retail for $130, with stores such as Macy’s offering sitewide discounts.
References
Naka, Kimiyo. “Takashi Murakami | Biography, Art, Louis Vuitton, Kanye West, & Facts | Britannica.” Britannica, Britannica, 2024, www.britannica.com/biography/Murakami-Takashi.
Honey, Alexandre. “The dA-Zed Guide to Takashi Murakami.” Dazed, Dazed, 11 Dec. 2024, www.dazeddigital.com/art-photography/article/65671/1/takashi-murakami-gagosian-exhibition-london-japanese-art-history.
Artlife. “What Is Superflat? A Guide To Takashi Murakami’s Art Movement.” ARTLIFE, ARTLIFE, 14 Aug. 2025, artlife.com/news/what-is-superflat-a-guide-to-takashi-murakamis-art-movement/?srsltid=AfmBOooLXIjdsK6O9tafsDmRvspJ4G8edtuZoM_jI-TvJ8OKsmdw0jrO.
Seiferle, Rebecca. “Superflat Movement Overview And Analysis.” Edited by Kimberly Nichols, The Art Story, The Art Story, 27 Mar. 2018, www.theartstory.org/movement/superflat/.
“Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Era-Defining Collaboration with Launch of Re-Edition Collection .” LVMH, LVMH, 8 Jan. 2025, www.lvmh.com/en/news-lvmh/louis-vuitton-and-takashi-murakami-celebrate-20th-anniversary-of-era-defining-collaboration-with-launch-of-re-edition-collection.
