A collaboration born from a shared vision

The genesis of an artistic encounter

The meeting between Louis Vuitton and Richard Orlinski was born from a shared desire to explore new creative territories by blending contemporary art with the world of luxury. Richard Orlinski, known for his powerful and geometric sculptures—particularly his iconic Wild Kong—captivated the Maison with his ability to transform raw animality into refined works of art. On its side, Louis Vuitton sought to renew its artistic collaborations by partnering with strong figures from the contemporary art scene. The idea of a hybrid work, at the crossroads between sculpture and fashion accessory, emerged during a series of exchanges between the artist and the Maison’s creative teams. Very quickly, the project took shape: it would involve reinventing Orlinski’s Kong by integrating a key element of Louis Vuitton—the handbag.

The Kong and the bag: a symbolic fusion

The choice of the bag is no coincidence: it is an iconic model of the brand, both instantly recognizable and carrying its heritage. Orlinski then imagines his sculptural gorilla, usually in a powerful stance, proudly holding this bag in its hand, as an object of admiration or conquest. The contrast is striking: the controlled brutality of the beast becomes the support for a refined luxury item. Each facet of the Kong is crafted to reflect light, while the handbag—made with Louis Vuitton’s traditional materials such as Monogram canvas, fine leather, and golden hardware—is integrated as a sculptural element in its own right. The work thus becomes an aesthetic manifesto: an alliance between the animal and craftsmanship, between instinct and style.

A creation by four hands

The realization of this project requires constant dialogue between Orlinski’s workshops and Vuitton’s artisans. It is not simply about placing a bag on a sculpture, but about creating a dialogue between the two worlds within a single creation. The proportions, textures, and finishes are meticulously planned down to the millimeter. Vuitton’s artisans adapt their expertise to the constraints of the sculpture, while Orlinski rethinks the posture of his Kong to support the bag without compromising it. The process is long, precise, and passionate. Prototypes are made, tested, and modified until the perfect balance is achieved. Finally, a very limited edition of this work is produced and presented in a spectacular installation during an exceptional event—the FIAC in Paris.

A manifesto artwork at the crossroads of art and luxury

Beyond the object itself, this collaboration marks a turning point in how Louis Vuitton approaches its artistic partnerships. It is no longer just about dressing a work or reinterpreting a motif, but about creating a hybrid object that is simultaneously a sculpture, an artistic statement, and a fashion icon. The work, at the crossroads between gallery and runway, is praised by collectors and design enthusiasts alike. It symbolizes an era where the boundaries between disciplines blur, and where the luxury object becomes a fully-fledged territory for artistic expression. For Richard Orlinski, this project is one of the most ambitious of his career, and for Louis Vuitton, a striking demonstration of its ability to stay at the forefront of creative innovation.

Atlas: the burden of luxury elevated to the status of myth

The name of the work, Atlas, finds its full meaning in this symbolic staging. In Greek mythology, Atlas is the Titan condemned to carry the celestial vault on his shoulders—an image of superhuman strength burdened with an eternal load. Here, Orlinski’s Kong takes on this mythical role but in a contemporary, stylized version: instead of carrying the sky, he lifts a Louis Vuitton handbag, an object of desire and craftsmanship, as if bearing all its symbolic and cultural value. This bag becomes more than just an accessory—it embodies the weight of luxury, history, and art. Atlas thus becomes a work that reinterprets the ancient legend through the lens of modernity, where raw power merges with sophistication to give birth to a new icon.