takashi murakami ohana hatake slippers — © Takashi Murakami

World-renowned artist Takashi Murakami, famed for infusing his art with vibrant flower motifs and collaborations that bridge the worlds of art and fashion, has entered a new arena: footwear, with his newly launched independent brand, Ohana Hatake.

The name Ohana Hatake, translating to “field of flowers,” embodies Murakami’s lifelong dedication to the flower as an artistic symbol of joy, nostalgia, and cultural connection. This dedication has previously manifested in high-profile collaborations, from Louis Vuitton bags decorated with his playful blossoms to co-branded projects with Nike. Now, with Ohana Hatake, Murakami steps confidently into the footwear world.

Ohana Hatake’s debut includes two distinctive models: the Ohana Full-Bloom slide and the Surippa Ohana slipper. The Ohana Full-Bloom, crafted from lightweight EVA foam, showcases an amplified version of Murakami’s iconic flower motif. It made its first appearance in limited runs featuring colors like Island Green and Blazing Yellow and even a special collaboration with K-pop sensation BLACKPINK. The latest colorways, Apricot and Raspberry Rose, were revealed at ComplexCon 2024 in Las Vegas.

takashi murakami slides ohana hatake — © Takashi Murakami

Complementing the Full-Bloom is the Surippa Ohana, a minimalist yet equally artful take on the classic Japanese house slipper. This model incorporates a soft EVA foam base and a rubber outsole that highlights Murakami’s flower artwork. The Rust colorway of the Surippa Ohana, also debuted exclusively at ComplexCon.

Murakami’s foray into footwear wasn’t spontaneous. The brand was meticulously developed in collaboration with VIOLET ST, a company known for marrying innovative footwear design with artisan quality. Murakami’s vision emphasizes the significance of wearable art that reflects his explorative narrative of happiness and cultural duality. “I am pursuing an expression that explores the very relationship between American and Japanese cultures,” Murakami noted.

Murakami credits a scene from the manga Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, where a spell creates a field of flowers, as the emotional spark for the brand. This scene resonated with his own journey as an artist who has long celebrated the ephemeral and energetic nature of flowers.

After its initial launch at ComplexCon, Ohana Hatake is set to expand, with select global retailers stocking its unique designs starting in December 2024 and a more extensive release planned for 2025. The brand’s strategy of limited releases and strategic collaborations has already drawn significant attention, indicating a future where Murakami’s art will continue to stride boldly into new territories.

Visit the website of Ohana Hatake here.

Featured