In a celebration of art and design, Louis Vuitton is set to showcase the works of renowned architect Frank Gehry at this year’s Art Basel Miami Beach. The collaboration between Gehry and the luxury fashion house spans many years, resulting in a collection that encompasses Gehry’s distinctive aesthetic and his constant exploration of forms.
At the heart of the exhibit is a specially designed booth that embodies Gehry’s trademark style. The use of wood and cardboard models, which have played a pivotal role in the architect’s design process, form the basis of the scenography. Additionally, five sail-like mesh structures reminiscent of Gehry’s 2014 window displays for Louis Vuitton create an immersive environment.
The exhibition is divided into four themes that resonate with Gehry’s artistic sensibilities: Architecture and Form, Material Exploration, Animals, and his iconic Twisted Box creation for the “Celebrating Monogram” project. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness a diverse range of objects on display, including handbags, trunks, perfume bottles, original artworks, preparatory sketches, and architectural models.
One of the most anticipated highlights of the exhibition is the world premiere of the limited-edition Louis Vuitton x Frank Gehry handbag collection. Drawing inspiration from three key themes throughout Gehry’s illustrious career – Architecture and Form, Material Exploration, and Animals – the collection features designs based on Louis Vuitton’s iconic Capucines bags, the Twisted Box Trunk, and even the remarkable Bear With Us Clutch, inspired by Gehry’s Bear with Us sculpture from 2014.
Each bag exemplifies the seamless fusion of Gehry’s design prowess and Louis Vuitton’s exceptional craftsmanship and savoir-faire. Notably, the Capucines Mini Blossom features glass-like resin petals inspired by perfume bottles and showcases a hammered LV design reminiscent of Gehry’s logo for the Fondation Louis Vuitton, the iconic building he designed in Paris. Another standout piece is the Capucines MM Floating Fish, featuring meticulously crafted leather marquetry inspired by the piscine lamps on display at the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Lastly, the Capucines MM Concrete Pockets boasts innovative 3D cement-effect screen-printing, offering a textured exterior akin to the varied surfaces of Gehry’s architectural creations.
The exhibition further highlights Gehry’s distinctive “A Tea Party for Louis” Trunk, originally created for the 200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries exhibition commemorating Louis Vuitton’s 200th anniversary. This striking sculpture-trunk draws inspiration from Lewis Carroll’s classic novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, with eight inventive figurines that resemble characters from the book and Gehry’s imaginary buildings. The resulting composition forms what Gehry describes as a tea party for the Maison’s founder.
In addition to the captivating handbag collection and Gehry’s unique creations, the exhibit also presents other notable projects and artworks, including the Les Extraits perfume bottles and their handcrafted stoppers from Murano, Italy. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore Gehry’s preparatory sketches and models, such as his work on the “Celebrating Monogram” project and design explorations for the Fondation Louis Vuitton.
Accompanying these exhibits are videos showcasing Gehry’s most prominent collaborations with Louis Vuitton, along with a painted portrait of the architect by French artist Jean-Philippe Delhomme.
This year’s participation at Art Basel Miami Beach marks a significant milestone for Louis Vuitton, as they solidify their position as a global Associate Partner of the prestigious fair. This partnership further reinforces the Maison’s long-standing commitment to the arts, which dates back almost a century to when Gaston-Louis Vuitton, the founder’s grandson, began collaborating with artists on advertisements and perfume bottles.
Louis Vuitton has continued this legacy since 1988 by collaborating with renowned artists and designers, including Sol LeWitt, James Rosenquist, Cesar, and Olafur Eliasson. The Maison has curated exhibitions featuring artists such as Sophie Calle, Dan Flavin, Alberto Giacometti, and Gerhard Richter in its Espaces Louis Vuitton, contemporary art spaces within their stores. Additionally, Louis Vuitton has embarked on large-scale global art projects, such as the 2022 collaboration with Yayoi Kusama, and consistently releases curated collections of bags, shoes, accessories, luggage, and fragrances.
The Fondation Louis Vuitton, a landmark achievement commissioned from Frank Gehry and inaugurated in Paris in 2014, stands as a testament to LVMH’s dedication to corporate philanthropy in support of the arts and creative endeavors.
Louis Vuitton will be present at Art Basel Miami Beach in the West Lobby of the Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA. Public opening from 8th – 10th December 2023.