Future Nostalgia: Louis Vuitton and Murakami’s Playful Pop-Up in NYC

Photography is by Brad Dickson courtesy of Louis Vuitton.

In January 2025, Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami unveiled a bold, joyfully designed pop-up store in New York’s SoHo. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of their iconic 2003 collaboration, the space presents both original and updated versions of their legendary handbags, accessories, and collectables.

Taking inspiration from Tokyo’s capsule hotels, the pop-up features a series of colour-blocked rooms, each immersing visitors in a vibrant, monochrome world. A bright white corridor connects these spaces, which range from bubblegum pink to deep purple, orange, and green. Rounded-edge furniture, built-in shelving, and Murakami’s signature motifs create an environment that is both nostalgic and contemporary.

Beyond showcasing luxury, this installation embodies the power of playful design. "The stripped-back luxury aesthetic and bold use of colour blocking really stand out, and it’s impressive how the LV products hold their own within that," says Zachary Pulman. "It’s refreshing to see a playful approach mixed with luxury."

Playful, immersive environments like this pop-up serve as memory-makers—designed to delight, spark curiosity, and invite interaction. At Zachary Pulman Design Studio, we embrace this philosophy in our hospitality and social spaces, crafting experiences that blend storytelling, innovation, and engagement.

A highlight of the space is the pink café and deep purple vending machine, which visitors can access after making a purchase. Meanwhile, a stairwell lined with Louis Vuitton motifs leads to a downstairs cinema screening Murakami’s original animated films.

With this pop-up, Louis Vuitton and Murakami prove that luxury design can be both sophisticated and fun—something we champion in our own work.