Celine's exhibition at the France Pavilion of the Osaka Expo 2025

On the occasion of the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, Celine takes part as a representative of French creativity within the France Pavilion, alongside other major names from the LVMH group such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chaumet, and Moët Hennessy. The event, running from April 13 to May 11, centers around the theme “a hymn to love” and takes place in a space designed by Thomas Coldefy and CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati, located at the main entrance of the exhibition. Founded in Paris in 1945, CELINE celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, highlighting its deep bond with Japan, where it has been present since 1970. This relationship has evolved through fashion events, artistic collaborations, and a solid commercial network that in 2025 counts nearly 40 points of sale in the country. CELINE’s temporary exhibition within the Pavilion unfolds as a sensory journey that merges French minimalism with Japanese aesthetics. Through an intimate and immersive setup, visitors are guided on a path intertwining tradition and modernity, spirituality and design.

At the heart of the exhibition lies the Japanese art of Urushi lacquerware, presented by the collective Hikoju Makie, known for its refined and symbolic creations. In tribute to its late founder Takashi Wakamiya (1964–2025), CELINE unveils an exclusive series of works decorated with its iconic Triomphe monogram, reinterpreted using the ancient Maki-e technique. Alongside these pieces are three Triomphe bags created specifically for the event, in red, black, and gold—colors rich in meaning within Japanese culture. Each unique, numbered piece represents the union of French artisanal excellence and Eastern symbolic values. Artist and director Soshi Nakamura signs two video installations. The first, “Hands at Work”, documents the work of artisans from both Hikoju Makie and CELINE in their respective workshops in Japan and Italy. The second, “Ten Landscapes of Dreams”, is an immersive installation in which the Triomphe monogram moves through dreamlike landscapes, symbolizing the spiritual connection between the two worlds.

With this exhibition, CELINE offers a tribute to Japanese culture and an example of deep dialogue between arts, traditions, and contemporary visions. A narrative that celebrates art as a living heritage, capable of transforming without ever losing its soul.