Yayoi Kusama fever seems to have reached all new heights as a pumpkin bag by the world-famous artist has just made history. A limited-edition handbag Louis Vuitton created in collaboration with the artist sold for $151,200 via Christie’s New York on September 18, setting two new world records.
Louis Vuitton kicked off their collaboration with the artist in 2012 under the direction of Marc Jacobs, launching a collection that spanned ready-to-wear and accessories. It would quickly become one of fashion’s most exciting art collaborations of all time, and a real collectors’ favorite.
The unique piece, which is inspired by Kusama’s distinctive pumpkin sculptures, is crafted with grained leather and features black LV monograms and motifs. With an estimate of between $10,000 and $15,000, it sold for more than ten times, realizing $151,200, breaking the record previously set by Christie’s in December 2023. This is a world auction record not only for the model, but for any Louis Vuitton handbag to sell at auction.
A limited edition red and white monogram Courrier Trunk 90 with silver hardware by Supreme. Photo: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2024
The top lot of the sale was a matte white Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Retourné Kelly 25, which achieved $163,800. Additional top lots included a matte white Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 25, which sold for $119,700, a Limited Edition Red & White Monogram Courrier 90 Trunk with Silver Hardware by Supreme, which achieved $81,900, and a Rare, Shiny Ombré Salvator Lizard Birkin 25 with Palladium Hardware, which made $63,000.
Nearly all (99 percent) lots part of Handbags Online were sold, resulting in an impressive total of $1,931,202.
See more photos below:
A rare matte white Himalaya Nloticus Crocodile Retourne Kelly 25 with Palladium hardware. Photo: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2024
A Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama, limited edition yellow and black monogram leather pumpkin bag with silver hardware. Photo: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2024
A rare, matte white Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 25 with Palladium hardware. Photo: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2024
A rare, shiny ombré Salvator Lizard Birkin 25 with Palladium hardware. Photo: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2024.
Cover: A Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama, limited edition yellow and black monogram leather pumpkin bag with silver hardware.
Photo: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2024
