Louis Vuitton Art Silk Squares: a new collection of silk scarves designed by five renowned contemporary artists. Story by Runway Magazine. Photo Courtesy: Louis Vuitton
In an exciting new collaboration, Louis Vuitton continues to blur the lines between fashion and art with its latest collection of silk scarves, the LV Art Silk Squares. This series brings together five visionary artists, each renowned for their unique aesthetic and previous collaborations with the Maison, to transform the classic silk square—or carré—into a canvas of imaginative expression. The collection not only celebrates the artistic spirit of each creator but also reinterprets the timeless Louis Vuitton Monogram in ways that are both innovative and steeped in the brand’s rich heritage.
A Canvas of Global Artistic Vision
The LV Art Silk Squares collection features the talents of five distinctive artists: the German pixel-art collective eBoy, the Franco-Japanese-Spanish design duo Icinori, Italian illustrator Lorenzo Mattotti, French graphic novelist Nicolas de Crécy, and Swiss artist Thomas Ott. Each of these artists has previously worked with Louis Vuitton on the brand’s renowned “Travel Book” series, where their art captured the spirit of travel and discovery. Now, they turn their attention to the theme of the flower within the context of Louis Vuitton, infusing the classic four-petal bloom of the Louis Vuitton Monogram with their unique artistic interpretations.
eBoy’s signature pixel art brings a digital and playful edge, while Icinori’s detailed and vibrant illustrations reveal a rich tapestry of cultural influences. Lorenzo Mattotti, known for his expressive lines and bold colors, captures the emotional resonance of the natural world, while Nicolas de Crécy’s work reflects his characteristic whimsy and storytelling flair. Thomas Ott’s stark, monochromatic style adds a dramatic, graphic twist. Together, these diverse perspectives converge to reimagine a Louis Vuitton classic, breathing fresh life into the Monogram through a kaleidoscope of color, form, and narrative.
Mastery of Silk: A Dialogue of Tradition and Innovation
Creating each silk square is a journey that begins in the artists’ studios and continues through the hands of skilled artisans in Como, Italy, a city renowned for its centuries-old silk craftsmanship. The production process is a testament to Louis Vuitton’s commitment to quality and artistry. It involves a seamless collaboration between the artists, the Louis Vuitton studio in Paris, and the artisans of Como, who use both traditional and modern techniques to faithfully reproduce the original artworks onto the finest silk.
The process of transferring the artists’ designs onto silk is meticulous and highly technical, requiring multiple layers of color to achieve the depth and vibrancy of the original works. After printing, the silk squares undergo a series of washes and are then carefully hand-sewn using the roulottage technique, an age-old method that ensures a refined, polished finish. The result is a collection of silk scarves that are not only wearable works of art but also a celebration of Louis Vuitton’s mastery of savoir-faire.
A Legacy of Artistic Collaboration
The LV Art Silk Squares collection is the latest chapter in a storied tradition of artistic collaboration at Louis Vuitton. This legacy dates back to 1987 with the groundbreaking project, The Silk Road, which featured designs by celebrated artists such as Arman, Sandro Chia, Arata Isozaki, Sol LeWitt, and James Rosenquist. Over the years, the brand has continued to partner with artists of international acclaim, including Andrée Putman, César Baldaccini, and Philippe Starck, inviting them to imprint their creative vision onto the timeless carré.
In 2013, Louis Vuitton introduced Foulards d’Artistes, a new wave of collaborations with street artists like Os Gemeos and Retna, pushing the boundaries of what a silk square could represent. These collaborations have allowed the brand to continuously redefine luxury, blending artistic innovation with traditional craftsmanship. Today, the legacy of these partnerships is celebrated in LV Dream, an exhibition at Louis Vuitton’s Paris headquarters showcasing the full collection of artist-designed silk squares from across the decades.
A Wearable Work of Art
The LV Art Silk Squares are more than just accessories; they are a testament to the Maison’s ability to merge art and fashion in a way that feels both timeless and avant-garde. Designed to be worn in myriad ways—from a classic neck scarf to an elegant headpiece or even framed as wall art—each carré is alive with the creative energy of its maker and the meticulous craftsmanship of its creation.
This collection underscores Louis Vuitton’s enduring commitment to celebrating art, tradition, and the spirit of innovation. The LV Art Silk Squares are not just an addition to a wardrobe; they are a collector’s piece, a conversation starter, and a beautiful embodiment of the artistic collaboration that defines Louis Vuitton’s legacy.