Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami: The 2025–2026 Revival & What It Means for the Vintage Market

The 2025–2026 Revival & What It Means for the Vintage Market

Vintage Louis Vuitton x Murakami Collection

The world of luxury fashion is buzzing again. More than twenty years after Takashi Murakami first transformed the Louis Vuitton Monogram with his kaleidoscopic pop-art vision, the Maison has officially revived the collaboration.

After the first reappearance in 2025, Louis Vuitton is set to release a brand-new Murakami collection in January 2026  a moment that marks the return of one of the most iconic artistic partnerships in fashion history.

This comeback is not simply nostalgic. It is reshaping the vintage market, increasing demand for original pieces, and redefining what collectors consider investment-worthy.

A Brief History: Why Murakami’s LV Era Became Legendary

Originally launched in 2003 under Marc Jacobs, the Murakami collaboration introduced a joyful, disruptive visual universe that reimagined Louis Vuitton through the lens of Japanese contemporary art.

Some of the most iconic designs included:

• Monogram Multicolore (33 colours on white or black canvas)
• Cherry Blossom (playful sakura flowers)
• Cerises (bright cherries with expressive faces)
• Panda
• Monogramouflage
• Cosmic Blossom

These bags became defining symbols of Y2K luxury,  photographed on celebrities, worn on red carpets, featured in early streetstyle, and embedded into pop culture. When the collaboration ended around 2015, collectors wasted no time hunting down original pieces.

2025: The First Wave of the Comeback

In 2025, Louis Vuitton celebrated the 20th anniversary of the original collaboration by reintroducing fan-favorite prints with updated silhouettes and modern craftsmanship.

This revival included:

• A refreshed version of Monogram Multicolore
• Renewed Cherry Blossom and Cerises motifs
• New Murakami artwork within the Artycapucines series
• Contemporary Y2K-inspired shapes

The response was immediate: interest surged across both retail and resale markets.

2026: A New Collection Arrives

The next chapter is slated for January 2026, marking a larger, more expansive Murakami release. This upcoming drop includes:

• New handbag silhouettes infused with Murakami’s signature colour and character
• Travel pieces and SLGs with updated interpretations of classic motifs
• A modernised “Travel Alma” in White Multicolore with studded detailing
  Designs celebrating the 130th anniversary of the Louis Vuitton Monogram

This is not just a re-edition, it’s a reawakening of the entire artistic partnership.

What the Murakami Revival Means for the Vintage Market

The renewed collaboration has already impacted the pre-owned and vintage luxury space, and this influence will only grow as the 2026 collection launches.

Here’s what collectors and resellers are watching closely:

1. Surge in Demand for Original 2003–2015 Pieces

Collectors regard original Murakami bags as the “first edition prints” of the fashion world. With the revival, these early pieces are seeing:

• Increased search volume
• Higher resale prices
• Broader international interest

The emotional value of owning “the original” has intensified.

2. Specific Models Rising in Value

Certain Murakami models have already shown notable price increases due to the renewed spotlight:

Multicolore Speedy 30 (White or Black Canvas)

Arguably the most iconic Murakami silhouette. Well-kept versions are climbing steadily due to scarcity and high collector demand.

Cherry Blossom Pochette Accessoires

Extremely limited during its first release. Rare colours (especially pink with bows) have become highly sought-after.

Cerises Speedy

A fan-favorite print with distinctive charm. Prices for pieces in good condition have spiked as nostalgia resurfaces.

Multicolore Alma PM/GM

The Alma shape is experiencing a renaissance through modern reinterpretations — making the originals more desirable.

Panda Pochette & Rond

Smaller SLGs and pochettes with Murakami’s Panda artwork are rising in value due to rarity and high recognisability.

Monogramouflage Keepall & accessories

Known for its bold twist on Monogram. A favourite among collectors of art-fashion collaborations.

Expect prices to continue rising in the coming year, especially for bags with excellent condition or full sets (box + dust bag + paperwork).

3. The “Vintage vs. Re-Edition” Story Becomes Crucial

Collectors are now differentiating more sharply between:

• Original early-2000s Murakami designs, and
• 2025–2026 re-edition and extended pieces

Key differences include:

• Hardware style
• Interior linings
• Colour saturation
• Date code years
• Silhouette shapes
• Stitch placement and vachetta ageing

4. Rising Popularity of Y2K Aesthetic

The Y2K revival is still strong — and Murakami is one of the most recognisable expressions of that era. For a generation that loves colour, nostalgia, and statement pieces, these bags tick every box.

This cultural shift benefits the vintage market directly.

Why Murakami Is the Perfect Investment Bag Right Now

• High recognisability — collectors crave iconic prints
• Limited original supply — early editions are finite and ageing
• New demand from younger buyers — Gen Z and Millennials are entering the luxury space
• Crossover appeal between art and fashion
• Historical significance — a collaboration that defined a decade. 

When fashion history repeats itself, collectors pay attention.

Conclusion: A Colourful Future for Collectors

The comeback of Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami, first in 2025 and expanding in 2026, is more than a nostalgic return. It is a cultural moment that reconnects one of fashion’s most iconic collaborations with a new generation.

For the vintage market, this revival brings rising demand, greater visibility, and renewed appreciation for the original masterpieces that shaped Y2K luxury.

And for collectors?
It’s the perfect time to rediscover or invest in  the bags that defined an era and continue to inspire today.

At Bags with a Past, we celebrate these treasures as part of a carefully curated collection of authentic pre-owned Louis Vuitton bags. Shop our curated vintage Louis Vuitton x Murakami bag collection and add a true Y2K icon to your wardrobe.