There are few symbols in luxury that carry the weight and recognition of Louis Vuitton’s Monogram canvas. For 130 years, those interlaced LV initials and delicate floral medallions have graced the arms of style icons, travelled the world in the hands of discerning jet-setters, and remained an unwavering emblem of French craftsmanship. Now, as we step into 2026, the legendary House is marking this momentous milestone with a year-long celebration that promises to redefine how we see this timeless motif.
In 1896, Georges Vuitton created the Monogram canvas as both tribute and strategic innovation. Honouring his father Louis – the founder who transformed travel with revolutionary trunk designs – Georges designed an intricate pattern of interlaced LV initials and floral medallions that served a critical business purpose: protecting the House’s authenticity against rampant counterfeiting. Drawing from Neo-Gothic ornamentation and the era’s fascination with Japonism, he registered a patent for what would become far more than anti-counterfeiting protection – a defining signature that embodied Louis Vuitton’s philosophy of excellence and modernity.
Louis Vuitton has chosen to honour 130 years of the Monogram through bold reinterpretation that speaks directly to today’s luxury landscape, proving that true heritage lies not in preservation alone, but in fearless evolution.
The New Monogram Anniversary Collection
The Monogram Anniversary Collection unveils three distinct expressions of the iconic pattern, each telling its own story of innovation and craftsmanship. The Monogram Origine Collection is perhaps the most emotionally resonant, revisiting the very first 1896 pattern through an entirely new lens. The traditional jacquard weave has been reimagined using a linen and cotton blend, rendered in soft pastel hues that feel both fresh and timeless. The inspiration? An archival client register cover discovered in the House’s extensive archives – a beautiful reminder that luxury is often found in the most unexpected places.
For those who appreciate the poetry of leather, the VVN Collection celebrates Louis Vuitton’s unparalleled leather goods legacy. Crafted from the finest natural cowhide, each piece is designed to develop a unique patina over time – a living testament to the wearer’s journey. There’s something deeply romantic about owning a piece that evolves with you, becoming more beautiful with each adventure.
Perhaps the most avant-garde of the three, the Time Trunk Collection employs sophisticated trompe-l’oeil printing to recreate the textures and metallic details of Louis Vuitton’s historic trunks. It’s heritage transformed into artful illusion – a perfect metaphor for how the House continues to bridge past and present with remarkable ingenuity.
The celebration also honours the Monogram’s most beloved silhouettes: the Speedy (1930), which redefined personal mobility; the Keepall (1930), forever symbolising freedom and effortless travel; the Noé (1932), originally designed to carry champagne bottles and still celebrating life’s joyful moments; the Alma (1992), with its architectural elegance inspired by Parisian sophistication; and the Neverfull (2007), the modern woman’s essential companion.
Each of these bags tells a story not just of design evolution, but of how women’s lives have changed over nearly a century. From the jazz-age flapper needing a chic travel companion to today’s multitasking professional requiring both style and functionality, Louis Vuitton has consistently anticipated and answered these needs.
Under the creative direction of talents like Nicolas Ghesquière for women’s collections and Pharrell Williams for men’s, the House demonstrates how heritage can evolve alongside contemporary design.
Meanwhile, collaborations with artists like Takashi Murakami, Yayoi Kusama, and Richard Prince have shown that the Monogram canvas can be a playground for artistic expression while maintaining its essential DNA. It’s this balance between respect for tradition and openness to interpretation that keeps Louis Vuitton relevant in an ever-changing luxury landscape.
The Monogram’s 130th year underscores how the House continues to evolve a historic design for a contemporary audience, positioning heritage not as something static, but as something that can be reinterpreted and renewed.
The Louis Vuitton Monogram Anniversary Collection will be available from January 2026. For more information, visit au.louisvuitton.com
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