Louis Vuitton: Celebrating 130 Years of The Monogram - Men's Folio Malaysia

Louis Vuitton: Celebrating 130 Years of The Monogram

The Louis Vuitton monogram continues to hold relevance across generations, evolving through changing silhouettes, textures, and creative direction.

By Aqeil Aydin

In the world of luxury fashion, few signatures feel as enduring as the Louis Vuitton monogram. Introduced in 1896 as a response to counterfeiting, the motif has since become one of the most recognisable design codes in fashion history. As Louis Vuitton marks 130 years of the monogram, the maison announces the first chapter of celebration and the announcement of two other capsule collections releasing in the future, while reflecting on a legacy built not on nostalgia, but on continual reinvention.

To commemorate the milestone, Louis Vuitton has approached the celebration as an evolving story rather than a one-off moment. Central to this is the release of new monogram bags that revisit the House’s most iconic silhouettes while reworking them for today. Familiar shapes such as the Speedy, Keepall, Noé, Alma and Neverfull return to the spotlight, reaffirmed as timeless staples that move effortlessly between generations.

The anniversary collection unfolds across three distinct creative directions. The Monogram Origine line draws closest to the original 1896 canvas, reimagined through soft jacquard textures that highlight the pattern’s decorative elegance. The VVN collection leans into Louis Vuitton’s leather heritage, pairing the monogram with natural cowhide trims designed to age and patina with time, embracing wear as part of the object’s story. Meanwhile, the Time Trunk selection plays with trompe l’oeil details inspired by vintage trunk hardware, subtly referencing the House’s travel origins through modern design.

Beyond handbags, the anniversary extends into small leather goods, including Nano Speedys, key pouches and passport covers that bring the monogram into everyday use. There is also the return of vivid multicolour expressions of the motif, offering a brighter, more playful take that nods to past eras while speaking to contemporary tastes.

What makes the monogram’s 130-year journey remarkable is its ability to adapt without losing its identity. It has shifted in scale, texture and tone, shaped by changing cultural moments and creative visions, yet it remains instantly recognisable. In a fashion landscape where trends cycle rapidly and logos fall in and out of favour, the Louis Vuitton monogram continues to feel assured and relevant. This anniversary does not mark a closing chapter, but a reminder that true timelessness lies in evolution.