Louis Vuitton Celebrates 130 Years of the LV Monogram with A Special Collection

Georges Vuitton introduced the LV Monogram to the world 130 years ago, and the rest is history.

Keepall Monogram. Photo Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.

A fashion world without Louis Vuitton’s signature LV Monogram is unfathomable—this emblem stands as one of the most enduring motifs in fashion history. As it celebrates its 130th anniversary, the heritage house is launching a special anniversary collection to honour this legacy.

Created in 1896 by Georges Vuitton, the Monogram—introduced after the other two signatures of the House, the striped canvas of 1872 and the Damier of 1888—was both a tribute to his father, Louis, and a shield to safeguard the brand’s identity. Inspired by the Neo-Gothic ornamentation and the emergence of Japonism, the design blossomed with interlaced LV initials and floral medallions.

Illustrated poster “Trunks and Bags, Louis Vuitton, Paris, London”, ca. 1907. Photo Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.

Like a signature on a masterpiece, the Monogram now bears more than the name of the House’s visionary founder; it is a symbol of heritage, culture and innovation that the storied brand proudly upholds. The journey from trunkmaking and leather craft, to pioneering ready-to-wear—with garments from past collections also featuring the Monogram—is a story in itself. Over the years, the much sought-after design has adorned Louis Vuitton’s most recognisable creations. During the travel revolution of the 1930s, for instance, the Speedy and Keepall were born, wrapped in this timeless canvas alongside their charming sibling, the Noé, which was conceived in 1932 to carry five bottles of champagne. Newer icons like the Alma—sculpted after the Pont de l’Alma in Paris—and the modern Neverfull from 2007, continue to be dressed in this well-loved motif.

Speedy 20 Monogram Origine Vert Asnieres, Louis Vuitton “Monogram Anniversary Collection”

Indeed, the Monogram has lived long enough to become a canvas for great collaborations, expanding the brand’s lexicon with each generation. From Stephen Sprouse’s infusion of street culture and graffiti to Takashi Murakami’s whimsical “superflat” art—whose partnership marked its 20th anniversary with special releases in 2025—the pattern provides a stage for dialogue between fashion and other cultures. A linchpin of the House, the Monogram has remained unwavering through the changing of the guard and shifts in creative vision, from the brand’s first Artistic Director, Marc Jacobs, to Nicolas Ghesquière, Kim Jones, Virgil Abloh, and the current Men’s Creative Director, Pharrell Williams.

Alma GM Time Trunk, Louis Vuitton “Monogram Anniversary Collection”

To commemorate 130 years, Louis Vuitton introduced the Monogram Anniversary Collection at the start of the year, presenting three special reinterpretations for its first of five chapters that will be unveiled subsequently throughout the year. The Monogram Origine Collection revives the 1896 pattern in a traditional jacquard weave, softened with a pastel palette reminiscent of Louis Vuitton’s archival register. For a Maison deeply rooted in trunk-making and travel, the Time Trunk Collection is draped in trompe-l’oeil prints that mimic the textures and metallic details found on the historic trunks. Meanwhile, the VVN Collection pays homage to the brand’s renowned leathermaking. Each piece is crafted from the finest natural cowhide, with hand-finishing that tops the creations with a time-honoured patina.

Low Trunk in Woven Monogram Canvas, 1897. Photo Courtesy of Louis Vuitton.

A living narrative, the LV Monogram carries the weight of 130 years of heritage. What’s even more impressive is that, rather than dwelling on past glory, it demonstrates how Louis Vuitton—like the LV Monogram itself—never stops evolving. From its beginnings on travel trunks to its role as a bridge for creative minds today, the Monogram remains an indelible signature and a testament to a legacy that travels gracefully from the past into the future.