Frank Gehry’s Legendary Collaboration with Louis Vuitton at Art Basel Paris

For the third time this year, Louis Vuitton is celebrating its partnership with Frank Gehry in the Balcon d’Honneur of the Grand Palais as it takes its place at Art Basel Paris. Gehry’s architectural genius is embodied in the white fish sculpture on display in the Balcon d’Honneur. Streamlined, elegant and powerful, it reflects the essential characteristic elements of Gehry’s buildings. Gehry’s fascination with Japanese art is also evident in the use of washi paper.

In collaboration with Gehry, Louis Vuitton built the Fondation Louis Vuitton building, which has become one of the monuments of Paris. This sail-shaped building elegantly reflects the Maison’s principle of ‘the art of travelling’. The architecture is also revitalised with light and transparency in the Maison Louis Vuitton Seoul building, which opened in 2019.

The Maison is also extending this partnership with collections of perfume bottles and bags. The Blossom caps in 2021 reflect Gehry’s aesthetic of transparency and curves. The same inspiration can be seen in the new handbag collection, with the Capucines and BB models taking their cues from Gehry’s iconic structures. This collection combines Louis Vuitton’s heritage of high craftsmanship with a modern design approach.

Louis Vuitton’s deep connection with art dates back to the Gaston-Louis Vuitton era. Today, collaborations with names such as Sol LeWitt, Takashi Murakami and Yayoi Kusama continue the Maison’s legacy intertwined with art. This exhibition, adorned with Gehry’s works, awaits art lovers at Art Basel Paris between 16-20 October.