13 November 2026 |
It’s New York in the 1980s. A young artist is doodling a new design over his roommate’s battered Louis Vuitton Suitcase in their downtown apartment. That artist was Keith Haring and the motif, now known as Radiant Baby, has become one of the most enduring emblems of the pop culture art movement. It’s this unique encounter between Haring, who made his name with illegal chalk sketches in New York’s subway stations and the French luxury house, that have formed the nucleus of an official collaboration with the brand and the artist’s foundation.
Master cross-pollinators of fashion and art, Louis Vuitton’s multidisciplinary approach to design has spawned an impressive history of projects that span the cultural milieu. Stephen Sprouse’s graffiti, Takashi Murakami’s cherries and Yayoi Kusama’s dots have all elevated the brand’s monogram handbags and become collectors’ items. However, this new project celebrates the artist’s irrepressible imagination with a collection that dances across a broad range of the house’s most iconic creations.
© Owen Franken/Corbis
Nicolas Ghesquière, artistic director of womenswear at Vuitton, delved into the brand’s archive and opened his cruise 2027 show in New York this past May–in tribute to the city that shaped Keith Haring’s life and artistic vision–with the suitcase that started it all. The designer played with the duality of New York’s downtown energy and uptown luxury, teasing showgoers with yet-to-be-released offerings from the impressive partnership, presenting extraordinary interpretations of the artist’s work, translating his joyful figures, radiant symbols and unmistakable lines into playful works of wearable art across selected garments and bags.
The first official foray, The Louis Vuitton Keith Haring Artycapucines collection, featuring 13 designs showcasing Haring’s work and characters, was unveiled at Art Basel Paris in October. The capsule is complemented by The Louis Vuitton Keith Haring Collection, comprising five distinctly themed chapters, named after the late artist’s oeuvre, across the womenswear line.
Keephall 45 KH Genesis Cognac , Capucines MM KH Genesis Cognac , Speedy 30 SOFT KH Genesis Cognac, Valisette KH Genesis Cognac, Louis Vuitton, Keith Haring collection ©️. Louis Vuitton suitcase c. 1930 drawn on by Keith Haring c. 1984, Louis Vuitton Collection
The first chapter, ‘Genesis’ draws inspiration from the original Louis Vuitton suitcase transformed by the artist. Historic Louis Vuitton bag silhouettes, monogrammed coated canvas travel pieces, wardrobe essentials and even a skateboard are all decorated in the playful Radiant Baby motif.
Horizon 55 KH Orange, Keepall 45 KH Orange, Louis Vuitton, Keith Haring collection ©️
Next up, ‘Brazil’, Haring’s hypnotic compositions of interlocking shapes and rhythmic movement clamber over monogrammed City Bags, hard-sided luggage pieces and silk accessories.
The 33 bag KH Noir, LV sneaker KH White/Yellow, Louis Vuitton, Keith Haring collection ©️
A playful array of Haring’s vibrant Running Heart, dancing outlines and electric yellow characters are the focus for ‘Figures’. Standout pieces include playful kicks and The 33, a twelve-inch black vinyl record reimagined as a leather bag, its surface laser-etched with grooves.
Side Trunk MM KH Bleu Denim, Speedy 30 Soft KH Bleu Denim, Louis Vuitton, Keith Haring collection ©️
For Haring, clothing was the artist’s canvas for which he would return again and again. Worn in the mid-1980s and gradually covered with an ever-growing collection of patches, graphics, and cultural references, Haring’s own jeans were the inspiration for ‘Patches’. Highlights include bags crafted out of the house’s Monogram jacquard denim, adorned in Haring’s energetic symbols.
Noodle Box KH Vert, Louis Vuitton, Keith Haring collection ©️
Finally, ‘Maze’ pairs inspiration from one of Haring’s lesser-known works, Untitled (Painting for Francesca Alinovi), with Louis Vuitton’s intricate savoir-faire. 1000s of individually applied beads and hundreds of hours of artisanal craftwork were needed to create pieces, mirroring the immense work behind the highly limited-edition Artycapucines range.
Opening image credits:The 33 Bag KH Noir, Mini Square Trunk KH, Noodle Box KH Vert, Capucines Mini KH Dancers BL, Capucines KH Pets Blanc
The Louis Vuitton Keith Haring Collection launches in Louis Vuitton stores worldwide from January 1st, 2027
©️ Keith Haring Foundation. Established in 1989, the Keith Haring Foundation advances the legacy of Haring’s art and philanthropy.
