louis vuitton pushes the boundaries between art and commerce

Influx Insights — 2007-10-11T14:13:44Z

There once was a time when art sponsorship was a subtle thing; brands used to discretely put their logos onto the promotional materials and leave it at that.

Those were the days when art and commerce were kind of separate, in the last few years we’ve seen much more of coming together of the two worlds and perhaps the best example is the partnership between Japanese uber-artist Takasji Murakami and Louis Vuitton.

Murakami’s designs turned the Louis Vuitton brand into a pop sensation.

In 2006, he was interviewed by CNN and asked about the collaboration.

"TS: How did your collaboration with Louis Vuitton come about?

TM: If you look at Louis Vuitton's history, they've always been influenced by Japanese designs, such as the flowers on the kimono, ever since the 19th century. In a very natural way Louis Vuitton is in touch with Japanese culture. It's a very big turning point for me. Now I understand the fashion world a little bit. It's important because the European creative situation is very influenced by fashion and art and fashion are very closely linked."

The partnership between the two continues today and is celebrated at the artist’s upcoming exhibition at the LA MOCA.

For the event, Vuitton has created a “fleeting” store for the where luxury lovers will be able to get purchase and of course, just state at, the range of products from the Vuitton/Murakami collaboration.

It’s a very different kind of museum store and not without controversy.

Via Dezeen

Posted by Ed Cotton

stoli opens hotel

Influx Insights — 2007-06-06T22:20:56Z

Stolichnaya vodka is another example of a brand creating a three dimensional experience in the real world.

This Wednesday, Stolichnaya vodka will open the Stoli “hotel” in LA, not a permanent fixture, but a pop-up venue inspired by the Hotel Moscova; the hotel shown on the vodka brand's bottle. The 10,000 sq ft venue has a bar, guest rooms, an elite suite for VIPs and design wise combines the vodka’s Russian roots and heritage with modern elements.

The venue will be used for DJ nights, film opening after parties and magazine events (GQ, InStyle and Playboy).

For those interested in checking it out, the hotel is located at 1555 Ivar Ave Hollywood, CA 90028

The hotel will “travel” to Chicago, New York and Miami and there will also be a website.

This idea is a step-up from the usual drinks brand sponsorship of events. The pop-up hotel gives Stoli greater control over the experience and allows for endless branding opportunities.

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louis vuitton pushes the boundaries between art and commerce

stoli opens hotel