Sign of the Times

Why is Takashi Murakami wearing what looks like a hand brace? Oh, only because he's signing 300 "Magical Princess" posters for the Vogue Nippon launch at the old Comme des Garçons Black store in Tokyo. In its place, and now open, the new Comme des Garçons x Vogue Nippon concept shop promises exclusive klabs with Chanel, Fendi and Murakami himself. Brace yourself...

Greater Tokyo

Tokyo-based illustrator and Hint contributor Przemek Sobocki took these snaps at the launch of Superflat First Love, a prepubescent-inspired (we guess) collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami. LV's Omotesando flagship was stuffed with Murakami-like toys, gadgets and a $33,000 handmade rug. Also on view was a special animation by Murakami, available only on Japanese mobile phone and, of course, YouTube...


Takashi Murakami & Tomoyuki Tanaka (aka Fantastic Plastic Machine), who composed the animation's soundtrack


Ako Tanaka, editor-in-chief of Numero Tokyo, and Shun Watanabe of Vogue Hommes Japan
Guillaume Davin, senior vice-president of LV, and the rug


Actor Hiroki Nirimiya and fashion designer & stylist Anthony Moynihan
Photographer & film director Mika Ninagawa and actress, singer & model Anna Tsuchiya