Louis Vuitton and multimedia artist Alex Israel have once again teamed up to present an innovative collaboration that captures the vibrant essence of Los Angeles. Since their partnership began in 2019, Israel has infused the Louis Vuitton Cologne collection with his unique vision of LA, characterized by vibrant colors and inspired by the Californian lifestyle.
FRAGRANCE
This year, Louis Vuitton and Alex Israel unveil a new collaboration centered around the Cologne Perfumes collection. Titled “Ocean Blvd,” this creation invites viewers on a three-dimensional pictorial stroll along an imaginary Los Angeles boulevard. Echoing Israel’s 2022 work “Sunset Coast Drive,” each Cologne is embedded within this creative street scene, mirroring contemporary Californian architecture and the artist’s chromatic palette.
Crafted in France, this two-meter-long sculpture required over 500 hours of meticulous work by 20 artisans, utilizing Louis Vuitton’s historical expertise in craftsmanship. Every detail, from the roofs to the facades and palm leaves, has been hand-shaped and assembled, celebrating the Maison’s noble materials such as Taurillon leather, Taiga leather, and natural beige leather.
Pacific Chill: Embracing the Californian Cool
The journey begins with Pacific Chill, a fragrance that captures the spirit of well-being and vitality. Inspired by the Californian cool attitude, this scent features notes of blackcurrant, carrot seeds, and aromatic herbs. The facade of the Pacific Chill spa, covered in white cowhide embossed with the Monogram pattern, reflects the blue and green gradient of the bottle, symbolizing the verdant hills and the blue of the sea and sky along the Southern Californian coast.
On The Beach: The Call of the Open Sea
Next, we visit the Surf Shop of On the Beach, a nod to the surfboard signed by Alex Israel for the launch of this Cologne. This fragrance reveals the ecstasy of the sun, sea, and sand through notes of yuzu, neroli, and aromatic herbs. The building, adorned in gradients of red and orange blending into a soft blue, mirrors the sky colors at Venice Beach, with golden brass Louis Vuitton rivets adding the final touch.
City Of Stars: A Nocturnal Fantasy
Midway through our journey, we arrive at the City of Stars cinema, celebrating this evening Cologne with its nocturnal fantasy. A blend of sparkling citrus fruits—lemon, blood orange, red mandarin, bergamot, and lime—intertwines with tiare flower, warmed by sandalwood and a powdery musk base. The vintage 50s-inspired building, with its iconic neon lights and LV Monogram details, conveys the unique atmosphere of a night in Los Angeles.
California Dream: An Evening Retreat
The California Dream restaurant extends this perfect day, offering a place to watch the evening settle in and enjoy the colors of a sunset. This Cologne marries mandarin with warm, airy ambrette, enveloping the skin in vanilla benzoin as night falls. The gradient colors of the bottle inspire the decor, with shades of pink and blue, while the roof is covered with pink cowhide.
Afternoon Swim: A Final Plunge
Concluding this artistic excursion, we dive into Afternoon Swim, represented by a beach lifeguard station in blue hues. This Cologne embodies a wave of freshness, with bergamot leading to a flow of delights on a deep mandarin wave. The iconic Malibu beach tower, crafted with blue Taiga cowhide and semi-aged natural beige leather, provides a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean, encapsulating the eternal summer.
Alex Israel’s collaboration with Louis Vuitton continues to celebrate the pop universe of the Colognes, offering a vibrant and immersive scent journey along the California coast.
