130 Years of the Louis Vuitton Monogram
The Evolution of the Monogram Print
January 11, 2026 marks the 130th anniversary of Louis Vuitton’s Monogram print, one of the most iconic and enduring symbols in fashion. Originally introduced in 1896 by Georges Vuitton to combat widespread counterfeiting, the repeating LV initials and floral motifs were designed to be instantly recognizable; but over time, it became so much more. A visual language that transformed branding into design, bridging practicality and artistry, and establishing Louis Vuitton as a benchmark of modern luxury.
The Monogram’s influence has grown with each generation. In the early 2000s, Marc Jacobs reimagined it through vibrant collaborations with Stephen Sprouse and Takashi Murakami, infusing the canvas with color, pop culture references, and playful irreverence. Later, creative directors Nicolas Ghesquière and Virgil Abloh treated the pattern as a living archive, translating it into futuristic silhouettes, streetwear-infused designs, and global cultural commentary. The print has adorned the arms of fashion icons such as Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Gisele Bündchen, cementing its status as more than a logo, but a statement recognized worldwide.
HONORING ICONIC MONOGRAM STYLES
To celebrate this milestone, Louis Vuitton will incorporate previous iconic styles into upcoming collections, reintroducing historic pieces with contemporary sensibilities while honoring the house’s heritage. For collectors and enthusiasts, these vintage icons, once carried by some of fashion’s most celebrated supermodels, can also be purchased through What Comes Around Goes Around, offering a rare chance to own a piece of the Monogram’s storied legacy.
Marking 130 years, the Monogram is no longer just a signature, it is a symbol of influence, a bridge between heritage and innovation, and a touchstone of modern luxury. From the runways of Paris to the arms of the world’s most iconic supermodels, it continues to define style, spark desire, and prove that true design is timeless, alive, and endlessly reimagined.
The Neverfull
Introduced in 2007, the Louis Vuitton Neverfull quickly rose from a new release to an icon. Designed as a spacious, adaptable tote, it reflected the needs of contemporary life while staying rooted in the house’s heritage. In just a few years, the Neverfull became one of Louis Vuitton’s most enduring silhouettes, proof that thoughtful design and timeless appeal can define a modern icon.
The Alma
The Louis Vuitton Alma, revived in 1992, a rounded, architectural silhouette and sturdy frame gave it a sense of quiet strength, while its clean lines conveyed clarity and purpose. Beyond utility, the Alma became a defining statement of the house’s creative vision, a bag that bridges tradition and modernity, leaving an indelible mark on fashion and securing its place as a timeless emblem of Louis Vuitton’s enduring influence.
The Keepall
The Louis Vuitton Keepall, introduced in 1930, revolutionized the idea of travel with a bag that was as stylish as it was practical. Lightweight, spacious, and effortlessly chic, it liberated travelers from the constraints of traditional luggage. Over time, the Keepall became a symbol of effortless sophistication and adventure, a testament to Louis Vuitton’s ability to turn functional design into a timeless emblem of luxury.
The Noé
Introduced in 1932, the Louis Vuitton Noé was born from an unexpected request: to design a bag capable of carrying five bottles of champagne. What emerged was a soft, structured bucket silhouette secured with a drawstring, favoring ease, balance, and movement over rigidity. Its design quietly challenged the conventions of luxury at the time, embracing practicality without compromising refinement. Over the decades, the Noé became a lasting point of reference in fashion, influencing countless bucket-bag designs.
The Speedy
The Louis Vuitton Speedy, originally introduced as the “Express” in 1930, was designed as a smaller, lighter version of the Keepall for city dwellers who wanted style on the move. Its compact, practical silhouette quickly captured attention, but it wasn’t until Audrey Hepburn famously adopted the bag that it earned its iconic nickname, Speedy, reflecting both its sleek design and effortless appeal.
Louis Vuitton opened his Paris workshop in 1854. He specialized in high-quality, functional trunks with flat tops for stacking, durable canvas coverings, and secure locks. His focus on precision, utility, and refined design quickly set the brand apart in an era when travel was becoming faster and more complex.
Introduced over 130 years ago, the LV initials and floral motifs are instantly recognizable worldwide. Originally designed as a functional safeguard against counterfeiting, the Monogram has evolved into a symbol of craftsmanship, heritage, and modern luxury, seamlessly bridging past and present.
In 1896, Georges Vuitton created the Monogram canvas to protect Louis Vuitton trunks from counterfeiters. Its repeating LV logo and Japanese-inspired floral motifs ensured instant recognition, transforming branding into design at a time when luxury often remained discreet.
Yes, vintage Monogram icons—once carried by some of fashion’s most celebrated supermodels—can be purchased through What Comes Around Goes Around, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of the Monogram’s storied legacy.
The Monogram has endured because it combines purpose with creativity. It is both timeless and modern, archival yet adaptable. Across generations, it continues to symbolize craftsmanship, innovation, and a unique balance of heritage and forward-looking design.