To celebrate its collaboration with the seminal Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, best known for her dense patterns of polka dots, Louis Vuitton has launched a free iPhone App inviting users to “customize” their pictures by giving them the Kusama treatment.
Instead of just uploading the latest image of your dog (or that narcissistic selfie) on Facebook and Twitter, transform your images using the “dots”, or the rather unnerving “waves” effect, before sharing it with friends. The format of the “Louis Vuitton Kusama Studio” iPhone App will be familiar to Instagram users: the “dots” and “waves” effects are akin to Instagram filters and users are also able to view and “like” images created by other users. But keep your images simple; complex pictures are practically indecipherable after being “Kusamafied”.
Want to further immerse yourself into the hallucinogenic world of Kusama? Well, you’re in luck. Singapore will be one of only six cities worldwide (other cities being New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Paris and London) to host a pop-up Louis Vuitton Kusama concept store. To be opened on 13 July in Ngee Ann City (close to the existing Louis Vuitton boutique) the concept store will feature biomorphic shaped sculptures or “nerves” which are one of Kusama’s most iconic artworks.
The store will be extremely playful with large scales and vivid colours, and naturally, will be covered in red polka dots to reflect Kusama’s obsession with the idea of accumulation. A limited edition range of Louis Vuitton bags and accessories with the emblematic Kusama artwork will also be available for purchase.
For more information about the collaboration, check out the dedicated mini-site: louisvuittonkusama.com
The LV x Kusama iPhone App is now available from the Apple App Store.
