Zendaya, an undisputed style icon and ambassador for Louis Vuitton since 2023, has once again showcased her flair for blending modern fashion with nostalgic charm. Known for her impeccable taste and keen eye for standout accessories, she has become synonymous with Louis Vuitton, rarely seen without one of the brand’s iconic bags by her side. Her latest addition is a piece sure to stir excitement among vintage enthusiasts and fashion collectors alike—a bag from the re-edition of the legendary Louis Vuitton X Takashi Murakami collaboration.
The sighting took place ahead of the Gotham Awards in New York, where Zendaya graced the red carpet in a custom Louis Vuitton gown, further cementing her close ties with the French luxury house. However, it wasn’t just her stunning outfit that grabbed attention. On her arm was the Louis Vuitton X Murakami side trunk, a striking piece adorned with the brand’s multicolored monogram pattern—a design that first made waves in the early 2000s. The bag is part of a highly anticipated re-edition collection celebrating the collaboration between Louis Vuitton and renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, which originally debuted in Marc Jacobs’s spring/summer 2003 collection for the brand.
Murakami’s partnership with Louis Vuitton was groundbreaking at the time, merging luxury fashion with bold, contemporary art. The collection featured Murakami’s signature playful and colorful reinterpretation of Louis Vuitton’s classic monogram, breathing new life into the house’s storied designs. The collaboration became an instant sensation, with celebrities and style icons of the early 2000s, such as Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson, and Naomi Campbell, frequently spotted sporting the collection’s vibrant bags. It was a defining moment for luxury fashion, making the Louis Vuitton X Murakami pieces not only status symbols but also collectibles in their own right.
Two decades later, the allure of the Louis Vuitton X Murakami collaboration has endured, with the original pieces becoming prized items among vintage collectors. Celebrities like Rihanna, Bella Hadid, and Kendall Jenner have all been seen carrying the limited-edition bags, underscoring their timeless appeal. Yet, among the various designs from the original collection, the white multicolored monogram has remained a somewhat underappreciated gem—until now.
Zendaya’s choice to carry the re-edition side trunk featuring this design has sparked renewed interest in the white monogram print, a nostalgic throwback to the early Noughties era. Her endorsement of the style comes as no surprise, given her ability to effortlessly merge vintage aesthetics with contemporary trends. By reviving this iconic design, she is not only reintroducing it to a new generation of fashion enthusiasts but also solidifying its place as a coveted accessory for years to come.
The re-edition collection, set to officially launch in January 2025, is already generating significant buzz in fashion circles. As one of Louis Vuitton’s ambassadors, Zendaya naturally had early access to the collection, further solidifying her role as a trendsetter. While fans eagerly await the official release, her public appearance with the bag serves as a tantalizing preview of what’s to come.
For those who can’t wait until the launch, there’s still an opportunity to get ahead of the curve by investing in one of the original Louis Vuitton X Murakami bags. These vintage pieces, often found through high-end resale platforms and luxury consignment stores, have already seen their value increase over the years. With the renewed interest sparked by the re-edition collection, their desirability—and price—is only expected to rise further.
Zendaya’s influence extends far beyond the bag itself. Her ability to spotlight specific designs often leads to a surge in their popularity, as seen with her previous endorsements of Louis Vuitton classics like the Neverfull and Diane bags. Her stamp of approval not only elevates the items but also sets the tone for upcoming fashion trends. With her backing, the Louis Vuitton X Murakami re-edition, particularly the white monogram design, is poised to dominate the fashion scene in 2025.
This resurgence of the Louis Vuitton X Murakami collaboration also reflects a broader trend in fashion: the return of Y2K aesthetics. Over the past few years, the early 2000s have served as a wellspring of inspiration for designers and brands, with iconic elements from the era making a strong comeback. From low-rise jeans to chunky sneakers, and now to multicolored monograms, the nostalgia-driven revival shows no signs of slowing down.
