The most interesting thing about Takashi Murakami, whose paintings, sculptures and merchandise are the subject of “© Murakami” at the Brooklyn Museum, is that he’s above shame. To know shame is to realize there are standards of behavior that, when bent or broken, cause remorse or, at least, self-awareness of having done wrong. Shame is unknown in Mr. Murakami’s rarefied orbit: Art is an adjunct of capital. There’s no second thought given to this fact.

Andy Warhol is the starting point for Mr. Murakami’s cold embrace of heedless commercialism.  read more »

Luxury retail has become a victim of the current economic turmoil. The Wall Street Journal reports this morning that even those luxury brands that have recently branched out with more affordable lines are taking a hit as consumers simply don't have as much disposable income as they used to--and simply aren't disposed to spending that which they might have.

In fact, luxury giant Louis Vuitton raised by 5 percent yesterday the price of its handbags in the U.S.  read more »

The recent Louis Vuitton party celebrating the final day of Richard Prince’s exhibition at the Guggenheim was, by all accounts, well-attended. Arguably, one of the main draws was the opportunity to pre-order those spring collection bags Mr. Prince designed with the French impedimenta-maker. Denise Rich, Helen Schifter and Lizzie Tisch were reportedly among the guests lining up to nab ones of their own.

Some guests apparently did find the whole thing a little odd, according to Fashion Week Daily. Artist Todd Eberle, for one, said: “A Louis Vuitton promotion at the Guggenheim? It's the end of the world!”  read more »

To celebrate the closing of artist Richard Prince’s “Spiritual America” exhibit at the Guggenheim next Tuesday, Louis Vuitton will host a farewell fete that night. According to WWD, models bedecked in nurses’ outfits designed by the French fashion label will wander around the party space.

But it’s not the lovely ladies’ medical-minded fantasy costumes that will attract the most attention. Instead of mini crab cakes and blinis, the models will be toting the new, limited-edition handbags Mr. Prince designed—in collaboration with Louis Vuitton creative director Marc Jacobs—for the haute impedimenta maker. (Mr. Prince reportedly also came up with the concept for L.V.’s Spring-Summer 2008 campaign.) The purses, which are expected to be the most sought-after handbags since “consumers ever uttered the name Murakami," officially go on sale February 1. Guests at the party, however, will have the chance to preorder at the event.

It seems Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton are spearheading a full-scale revival of the Amazonian supermodel frenzy from the 90’s. In this Style.com clip, Mr. Jacobs, 44, who became creative director of the French fashion label in 1997, explains the aesthetic behind Louis Vuitton’s Spring-Summer 2008 campaign.

According to Mr. Jacobs, the veritable king of cool around these and most other parts, it was his collaboration with artist Richard Prince that really formed the basis for the entire collection. “What about this idea of Louis Vuitton after dark?” Mr. Prince apparently inquired of the clothing macher, whose mental light bulb was then flipped.  read more »

The master of all things leather bags, Louis Vuitton could be seeking an expansion of the company’s American flagship store at 1 East 57th Street, as the luxury retailer recently bought the small office building adjacent to it.  read more »

Louis Vuitton, the luxury brand that launched a trillion knockoffs, has just been made to taste its own medicine. Today, the company released an apology to Dutch artist Anthony Beeke for stealing his work. In 2005, WWD reports today, a promotional event at the luxury luggage maker’s boutique on the Champs Elyseés featured nude female models who were arranged neatly on the floor. Their bodies spelled out “VBLV.” Together, the flesh-and-blood acronym stood for “Vanessa Beecroft Louis Vuitton.” As it happens, Ms. Beecroft, also an artist, didn’t come up with the idea—Mr. Beeke did, some 35 years prior with his Naked Ladies Alphabet. Neither Louis Vuitton nor Ms. Beecroft gave him any credit or money for their strikingly similar stunt, and now their time is coming due. For now, one thing is exceedingly certain: no one will ever again see nude models spelling out anything for Louis Vuitton.

We won’t be able to see Daniel Radcliffe’s razor sharp nipples in the Broadway production of Equus until September 2008. Bummer.

Science nerds collectively gasp: Bionic Woman and Battlestar Galactica productions have been shut down due to the strike.

The New Museum on the Bowery is opening Dec. 1. Everyone is freaking out about it.

Oy vey, Louis Vuitton designed a menorah!