By The Fashion Editorial Team
Marking the start of the new year and the 130th year of the French Maison’s emblematic Monogram motif, Louis Vuitton reveals new celebratory collections. First designed in 1896 by Georges Vuitton as a tribute to his father and founder of the Maison, Louis, the Monogram canvas has become one of the most recognizable luxury icons. To mark the occasion, the House unveils new special-edition Monogram bag collections as heritage masterpieces designed to be passed down across generations, including the Keepall, Alma, Speedy, Noé, and Neverfull. First introduced in 1930, the Speedy perfects the concept of personal mobility, while the Keepall, also introduced the same year, has become a longstanding symbol of liberating, effortless travel. A mark of distinction, the Noé, introduced in 1932, was originally designed to carry not one but five bottles of champagne as a gesture to imbibe in the spirit of joy and creativity. Finally, the Alma, introduced in 1992, and the Neverfull, introduced in 2007, are tributes to Parisian architecture and modern utility, respectively.
As meticulously detailed in Louis Vuitton’s latest publication, in collaboration with Assouline Editions, From Louis to Vuitton, the Monogram conceived by Georges, is explored for its artistry and identity. The pattern, as depicted in the below patent diagram from 1905, prominently draws upon Neo-Gothic ornamentation and the influence of Japonism. Following the striped canvas of 1872 and the Damier in 1888, the Monogram was created to assure the safeguarding of the House’s authenticity and its creations, a purpose it continues to serve to this day. Long a fascination to designers since, the Monogram has united generations of designers and icons, including Marc Jacobs, Artistic Director of Women's and Men's collections from 1997 until 2013, Nicolas Ghesquière, Artistic Director of Women's collections since 2013, Virgil Abloh, Artistic Director of Men’s Collections from 2018 until 2002, and Pharrell Williams, Men’s Creative Director since 2022, and served as inspiration for leading artists including Takashi Murakami, Yayoi Kusama, and Richard Prince.
At the heart of the Maison’s heritage and stewardship is the Louis Vuitton trunk, an icon of both travel and safekeeping. Bringing forth heritage codes from within, the Maison is now offering a new Monogram Anniversary Collection across three-special edition bags which reinterpret the Monogram through modern design, materiality, and through both cutting-edge and traditional craft techniques. Additionally, the Monogram Origine Collection revisits the original 1896 pattern in a new Monogram canvas which, in a special effort of preservation, is presented in a traditional jacquard weave, crafted in linen and cotton. Offered in a sensuous palette of soft pastels, this collection takes inspiration from the cover of an archival client register of the House. Furthermore, the VVN Collection, captures the Maison’s illustrious legacy in leather goods. Meticulously crafted from the finest natural cowhide, the collection exemplifies the authenticity and tactile quality of hand-finished leather, with each piece imagined to develop its own unique patina over time. Lastly, the Time Trunk Collection brings the past truly into the present with eye-capturing t_romp-l’œil_ printing which reproduces textures and metallic details found in the Maison’s historic trunks.
Louis Vuitton reintroduces Le Keepall - 1930 and Le Speedy - 1930, as new offerings, in heritage constructions (Images courtesy of Louis Vuitton)
