PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUIS VUITTON
As Louis Vuitton’s beloved monogram celebrates its 130th anniversary, the interlocking LV and stylised flowers signal continuity over fleeting trends. More than just a visual logo, it represents a rare triumph of endurance. Crucially, the monogram began not as a marketing exercise, but as protection against imitators copying the brand’s signature trunks.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUIS VUITTON
By blending French cathedrals’ Neo-Gothic geometry with the serene abstraction of Japanese mon (family crests), Georges Vuitton forged a new visual language. Interlacing LV initials and floral motifs defined the fresh identity of the Louis Vuitton trunk. Originating as woven linen jacquard, it later evolved into the supple Monogram Canvas in 1959, birthing icons like the Keepall, Speedy and Noé.
Over the years, the motif also became a cultural provocateur. Since the 1996 centennial, Louis Vuitton has welcomed collaborations with some of the world’s most disruptive creative voices. Stephen Sprouse splashed neon graffiti, Yayoi Kusama layered polka dots, while Frank Gehry even reworked its architecture. Then came Takashi Murakami’s Monogram Multicolore and Cherry Blossom capsules, which recently made a vibrant comeback.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUIS VUITTON
Now, for its 130th anniversary, Louis Vuitton unveils exclusive capsule collections that honour reinvention without losing any soul. Firstly, bags in the Monogram Origine collection are crafted in a linen-cotton blend, awash in an array of soft pastels. Meanwhile, the VVN capsule celebrates its leather goods legacy via natural cowhide that develops a personal patina through wear.
Finally, the Time Trunk collection reimagines icons like the Alma and Speedy Soft. Bold trompe-l’oeil prints mimic metallic trunk details, in a nod to its archival luggage heritage. Together, these capsules reaffirm that Louis Vuitton’s monogram continues to evolve, yet remains unmistakably timeless.
