Olympia Le-Tan recently unveiled a stunning new collection of handbags, drawing inspiration from the timeless art of American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. The collection includes six handbags and three book-shaped clutch bags, each intricately designed to reflect Basquiat’s iconic motifs. From the bold yellow crown to the whimsical dinosaur-shaped PEZ candy dispenser, each piece pays homage to Basquiat’s distinctive style, including the banana motif famously associated with Andy Warhol.
The launch of this new handbag line coincides perfectly with a major retrospective exhibition of Basquiat’s work at the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, running until January 14, 2019. Attendees of the exhibition have the exclusive opportunity to purchase three of the nine handbag models from the collection at the Foundation’s shop, with prices ranging from €650 to €950. In addition, the limited-edition line is also available at select retailers such as Net-A-Porter, Matchesfashion, Bergdorf Goodman, L’Eclaireur, and on Olympia Le-Tan’s website.
Last year, Olympia Le-Tan made headlines with the departure of Olympia Le-Tan as the creative director. Grégory Bernard stepped up as the new CEO, following a successful round of capital raising with private equity firm Audacia in 2015. Despite these changes, the label’s internal team remains dedicated to managing the design aspect and strengthening relationships with distributors as part of the brand’s reorganization efforts.
In essence, the collaboration between Olympia Le-Tan and Jean-Michel Basquiat beautifully captures the spirit of the artist’s legacy, blending it seamlessly into the world of fashion accessories. The collection not only celebrates Basquiat’s unique aesthetic but also serves as a timeless tribute to his enduring influence on art and culture.
To explore more about Olympia Le-Tan’s collection inspired by Basquiat, visit their official website here, or for more information on the exhibition at the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, click here.
