A Louis Vuitton handbag, born from a collaboration with Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, just made headlines. At an auction held by Christie’s New York on Wednesday, the limited-edition piece sold for INR 1.26 crore ($151,200), breaking two world records along the way.
Kusama first teamed up with Louis Vuitton in 2012, giving a fun twist to pieces like the Papillon, Neverfull and Speedy, all covered in her famous polka dots. Fast forward to 2023, and she’s done it again, adding her unique touch to even more of the brand’s designs. Clothing and accessories from both collaborations have become sought-after in resale markets, but it was a “pumpkin bag” from the latest collection that just set new records.
Image: Farfetch
As the name hints, the design takes its cue from Kusama’s famous pumpkin sculptures and prints. Made from grained cowhide leather, the yellow bag is shaped like a pumpkin and decorated with black LV logos and patterns. Originally expected to sell for between INR 8.37 lakh and INR 12.56 lakh ($10,000 and $15,000), this particular bag went for nearly 10 times that amount, setting a new record for both the model and any Louis Vuitton bag sold at auction. The previous record was held by another pumpkin bag that sold for INR 36.95 lakh ($44,100) at Christie’s in December 2023.
There were other stars in Christie’s Handbags Online: The September Edition auction. A rare Hermès Himalaya Retourné Kelly 25, made from matte niloticus crocodile with palladium hardware, took center stage at the auction, selling for INR 1.37 crore ($163,800). Two in-demand Hermès Birkins also found new buyers, going for INR 1 crore and INR 52.78 lakh ($119,700 and $63,000).
Almost every lot in the Handbags Online auction sold—99% of them—bringing in INR 16.18 crore ($1,931,202). With its pumpkin shape, this unique bag might just find its way into someone’s Halloween outfit, adding a touch of Louis Vuitton to the festive season.
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