Prepare to be mesmerized: A colossal, eight-metre-tall octopus has taken over the Grand Palais in Paris, and it’s not just any octopus—it’s a masterpiece born from the collaboration of artist Takashi Murakami and fashion powerhouse Louis Vuitton. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this larger-than-life installation a whimsical celebration of art and fashion, or does it cross the line into spectacle for spectacle’s sake? Let’s dive in.
Perched on the Balcon d’honneur inside the newly restored Grand Palais, this giant inflatable sculpture stretches its long tentacles around a doorway, creating a surreal and almost otherworldly scene. Inspired by the delicate beauty of Chinese lanterns, the octopus is a riot of color, painted in vibrant red and pink hues with contrasting white undersides and blue suckers. Its head is adorned with Murakami’s signature Superflat Jellyfish Eyes pattern, a motif that, according to Louis Vuitton, draws from the artist’s childhood fears of being watched—yet transforms them into something playful and enchanting.
This isn’t just a standalone piece; it’s the centerpiece of the Artycapucines VII – Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami collection, marking the duo’s latest collaboration. And this is the part most people miss: The octopus isn’t just a sculpture—it’s a symbol of how far technology has come since Murakami and Louis Vuitton first teamed up 22 years ago. This time, the fashion house leveraged cutting-edge tools like 3D printing to bring Murakami’s vision to life, a stark contrast to their 2003 collaboration when such technology was still in its infancy.
The collection itself features 11 handbags, each decorated with miniature versions of the octopus design, alongside Murakami’s iconic illustrations. But the Grand Palais exhibition doesn’t stop there. Visitors can also explore the artist’s sketches and three of his kaleidoscopic Plush Balls artworks, including the Cherry Blossom Plush Ball, inspired by Japan’s sakura flowers and created exclusively for this event.
Here’s the bold question: Does this collaboration elevate fashion to the level of fine art, or does it blur the lines too much for comfort? Murakami and Louis Vuitton have always pushed boundaries, from reinventing the brand’s Monogram canvas in 2003 to their recent pop-up store in New York City, inspired by Tokyo’s capsule hotels. But with this octopus, they’ve arguably gone further than ever before.
Louis Vuitton’s penchant for grand gestures isn’t limited to Paris. In Shanghai, they unveiled a ship-shaped store, and in the past, they’ve even transformed the Pompidou Centre into a giant snakes and ladders board for a menswear show. Yet, the Grand Palais octopus feels different—it’s not just a statement; it’s a conversation starter.
The Artycapucines VII collection launched as part of Art Basel Paris 2025, running from October 24 to 26. Whether you’re a fan of Murakami’s pop surrealism, Louis Vuitton’s luxury aesthetic, or simply curious about where art and fashion intersect, this installation is a must-see. But we want to hear from you: Does this collaboration inspire you, or does it feel like too much? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears (or should we say, tentacles?).
Photography courtesy of Louis Vuitton. For more design events and exhibitions worldwide, check out the Dezeen Events Guide.
