Sculptural materials and architectural forms play an invaluable part in Louis Vuitton’s long-standing collaboration with artist Frank Gehry, revealing a unique display at the Grand Palais.

As an artist, architect and designer, Frank Gehry embodies a spirit of relentless experimentation with forms and materials in every creation. Through his visionary style, the designer has collaborated with Louis Vuitton for almost two decades, using beautiful scenography. This time, the Maison and Gehry have united once more for an exhibition that speaks volumes about his work of art. Located at the Grand Palais, the Maison pays tribute to the artist with a wonderful display of his designs for the 2024 edition of Art Basel Paris.

Located at the Grand Palais is a unique architectural visionary that floats at the top of the historical landmark’s grand staircase. As a monumental nod to Gehry’s architectural ethos, a breathtaking white fish is suspended gracefully, showcasing a delicate interplay of strength and fluidity. If you take a closer look, its ornamental scales reflect a principle of variation in Gehry’s artistry. You’ll find that the masterpiece is surrounded by a large arch of wooden slates arranged in geometric compositions that deeply resonate with his affection for Japanese visual arts.

Frank Gehry’s creations with Louis Vuitton

Fondation Louis Vuitton

As a beacon of excellence and innovation, Gehry’s collaboration with Louis Vuitton has birthed a landmark in Paris: the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Celebrating its tenth anniversary, this architectural masterpiece was conceived in the early 2000s, revealing Gehry’s signature approach to transparency and light as sculptural materials.

Continuing his love for light and transparency, this has also appeared in his latest creation, Maison Louis Vuitton Seoul, which opened its doors in 2019, where shapes and perspective played a massive part in the structure.

Maison Louis Vuitton Seoul

From there, the concept of movement and transparency inspired the artist to create an enchanting collection of perfume stoppers for the Maison in 2021—the Blossom design. A year later, these stoppers were reimagined in Murano glass, revealing Gehry’s love for organic aesthetics.

But that’s not all. The artist has translated his aesthetic principles onto the exclusive Louis Vuitton by Frank Gehry collection. Ultimately, transparency and the importance of botanical shapes are applied to the Capucines Mini Blossom and Mini Puzzle bags. On top of that, the Capucines MM Concrete Pockets, BB Shimmer Haze, and BB Analog are inspired by Gehry’s monumental architectural vision. To name a few, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Walt Disney Concrete Hall in Los Angeles, the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, and the IAC Building à New York.

Best of both worlds: Louis Vuitton by Frank Gehry collection

Within this exhibition, you’ll find that the totem animal reappears in various models. Its scales emerge as a low-relief leather detail on the Capucines MM Floating Fish bag, and its silhouette is delicately embroidered onto the crocodile leather of the Capucines Mini Drawn Fish bag. A sophisticated alligator handle graces the BB Croc bag, while the Twisted Box—a standout from the 2014 Celebrating Monogram collection—reinvents the iconic Monogram trunk. This timeless piece elevates the notion of functional luxury, transformed by a visionary who defies convention with every exquisite curve.

While reading about it may have caught your attention, the Maison is all set to captivate every stylish maven and art enthusiast for the Art Basel Paris with this stunning curation. However, this relationship is anything but new. It was established a century ago when Gaston-Louis Vuitton (the founder’s grandson) began developing friendships with artists in designing display windows, advertisements, and objects for the Maison.

Till today, Louis Vuitton has forged alliances with artists, creating signature capsule collections and one-offs. With a legacy steeped in its savoir-faire since its founding in 1854, the Maison stands as a beacon of artistic collaborations. Additionally, other outstanding names have made their mark, such as Frank Gehry, such as Sol LeWitt, James Rosenquist, Richard Prince, Takashi Murakami, César, and Yayoi Kusama.

To witness this yourself, the extraordinary exhibition, part of the 2024 edition of Art Basel Paris, will take place at the Grand Palais from 18 to 20 October 2024. So, if you’re currently reading this in Paris, be sure to pay a visit for a visionary adventure that unifies fashion and fine art.

All images courtesy of Louis Vuitton