An iconic emblem in the fashion world celebrates 130 years


Louis Vuitton celebrates 130 years of its legendary Monogram with a year-long celebration. Photos: Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton marks 130 years of its iconic Monogram with a year-long celebration that pays tribute to one of the most recognisable emblems in fashion history.

First introduced in 1896 by Georges Vuitton in homage to his father, Louis Vuitton – the visionary founder of the House – the Monogram canvas has endured as far more than a decorative signature.

It stands today as a powerful symbol of craftsmanship, culture and continual reinvention.

To honour this milestone, the House unveils a programme of special collections and dedicated window displays throughout 2026, beginning in January with a celebration of its most emblematic Monogram bags and the introduction of exclusive, anniversary editions.

From the outset, the Monogram was conceived as a radical expression of identity and artistry.

From the outset, the Monogram was conceived as a radical expression of identity and artistry.
From the outset, the Monogram was conceived as a radical expression of identity and artistry.

Designed personally by Georges and protected by patent, its intricate arrangement of interwoven LV initials and floral motifs drew inspiration from Neo-Gothic design and the influence of Japonism.

Created to protect the authenticity of the House’s creations – following the striped canvas of 1872 and the Damier of 1888 – the pattern quickly transcended its original purpose, becoming the defining signature of Louis Vuitton, embodying a philosophy rooted in excellence, innovation and the transmission of savoir-faire across generations.

Over the decades, the Monogram has served as a unifying thread between artisans, collectors and cultural tastemakers.

It has shaped the work of the House’s master craftspeople and inspired successive creative visions, from Marc Jacobs, who led both women’s and men’s collections from 1997 to 2013, to Nicolas Ghesquiere, Artistic Director of Women’s Collections since 2013, and from Virgil Abloh, who helmed Men’s Collections from 2018 to 2021, to Pharrell Williams, Men’s Creative Director since 2022.

Over the decades, the Monogram has served as a unifying thread between artisans, collectors and cultural tastemakers.
Over the decades, the Monogram has served as a unifying thread between artisans, collectors and cultural tastemakers.

The Monogram has also sparked landmark collaborations with artists such as Takashi Murakami, Yayoi Kusama and Richard Prince, reinforcing its place at the intersection of fashion, art and popular culture.

The anniversary celebrations open in January 2026 with a spotlight on the brand's most storied Monogram bags. These include the Speedy (1930), an enduring emblem of personal mobility; the Keepall (1930), synonymous with freedom and modern travel; the Noe (1932), originally designed to carry five bottles of champagne and forever associated with joy and ingenuity; the Alma (1992), inspired by Parisian architecture and refined elegance; and the Neverfull (2007), the quintessential contemporary companion.

Louis Vuitton also unveils its new Monogram Anniversary Collection: taking the codes of the trunk savoir-faire, three special-edition bags reinterpret the Monogram through modern design, diverse materials, and both cutting-edge and traditional craft techniques.

 


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