Alex Israel has reunited with Louis Vuitton to launch a new limited-edition fragrance inspired by Southern California’s iconic “woody” station wagons, continuing the Los Angeles–based artist’s long-running collaboration with the French luxury house.
The Woody Wagon Colognes gift set includes the Woody Wagon, a handcrafted, miniature wooden station wagon collectible that houses the collection’s six colognes. Produced in an edition of just 66—a reference to the historic Route 66—the sculptural object reimagines one of California’s most recognizable automotive icons through Israel’s sun-soaked vision.
The collectible took more than 7,000 hours to produce and was crafted by 60 artisans. Composed of 219 individually assembled elements, it features mahogany wood paneling, Louis Vuitton’s signature monogram motif engraved into its doors, monogram flower wheel details, and leather trim finished in natural beige.
The collaboration marks the latest chapter in Israel’s partnership with Louis Vuitton, which began in 2019 when the artist worked with master perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud on the maison’s Cologne collection. Like the fragrances themselves, the new edition draws heavily on the imagery and mythology of Southern California, a recurring subject throughout Israel’s practice.
“I’m thrilled to continue exploring my favorite landscape, Los Angeles, on this road trip with Jacques Cavallier Belletrud and Louis Vuitton,” Israel said in a statement. “The Woody Wagon has long embodied a certain Californian freedom: surfboard on the roof, family in the back, and the Pacific just over the next hill.”
Alongside the Woody Wagon, Louis Vuitton is also releasing three new translucent travel cases designed for its Sun Song, California Dream, and Afternoon Swim colognes. Produced in editions of 100 each, the resin cases feature color gradients inspired by the West Coast—from ocean blues to California sunsets—and continue Israel’s exploration of light, landscape, and the visual language of Los Angeles.
Israel’s interdisciplinary practice is rooted in the myth of Hollywood, consumer culture, and the construction of the California dream. He has exhibited at the Aspen Art Museum and The Bass in Miami Beach and has collaborated with brands ranging from BMW to Snapchat. His ongoing partnership with Louis Vuitton reflects the luxury house’s broader engagement with contemporary artists, following collaborations with figures including Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami, Jeff Koons, and, more recently, Keith Haring.
The Woody Wagon colognes will be available by preorder in a limited edition of 66 beginning this summer, with deliveries expected in late September. The edition is priced at $11,700, while the travel cases will retail for $1,400 each.
