We all know the famous LV monogram. It’s been used on their exceptional leather goods since 1965 and is now recognized as a global symbol of luxury. Since its inception, it’s been produced, officially, in a myriad of interpretations by the brand (Stephen Sprouse, Murakami, etc). It’s also been produced -unofficially- in bad copies, good reproductions, fine art, on cars, even on houses. To celebrate what is almost 50 years since the mark’s design, the brand has asked Christian Louboutin, Cindy Sherman, Frank Gehry, Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Newson and Rei Kawakubo to take inspiration from the iconic Louis Vuitton Monogram and create their own limited editions.

The results are some really fabulous stand-out pieces (with equally stand-out prices) in limited editions. I have multiple photos of all the products for you as well as a look at some of the great photos with models for the collection.

First, a little monogram history:
In 1965 Gaston-Louis Vuitton, recounted how his father, Georges, had created the motifs on The Monogram canvas: ‘First of all, the initials of the company – LV – are interlaced in such a way as to remain perfectly legible. Then a diamond. To give a specific character to the shape, he made the sides concave with a four-petal flower in the centre. Then the extension of this flower in a positive image. Finally, a circle containing a flower with four rounded petals.’

The Monogram is now recognised globally as a defining signature, both literally and metaphorically, of the House of Louis Vuitton. As it has travelled through time, certain of its features and meanings remain the same. Blurring the boundaries between craftsmanship, art and design, Louis Vuitton has repeatedly embraced the notions of innovation, collaboration and daring throughout The Monogram’s history.

It is within this context that Louis Vuitton’s ‘Celebrating Monogram’ project appears this year. It is a collection of works that shows the distinctly personal side of the Monogram; re-presenting something we think we all know in an extraordinary, individual and idiosyncratic way. Six creative iconoclasts – the best in their individual fields – who blur the lines between fashion, art, architecture and product design, have been given carte blanche to dictate and make whatever they see fit in the patterned canvas.

Echoing the special Louis Vuitton centenary collection of 1996 – where Azzedine Alaia, Manolo Blahnik, Romeo Gigli, Helmut Lang, Isaac Mizrahi, Sybilla and Vivienne Westwood contributed individual and distinct designs – for 2014’s collection, the participants have progressed even further. Here, Christian Louboutin, Cindy Sherman, Frank Gehry, Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Newson and Rei Kawakubo radically, personally and playfully realise an unparalleled collection.

In many ways it means The Monogram has come full circle: looking at its handcrafted roots once more, its direct connection to a person, its daring and genre defying audacity and, above all, its journey into the future for Louis Vuitton. This is a collection that is both universal and personal, and in the cherished traditions of the house, once again defies expectations.

The Louis Vuitton Celebrating Monogram Collection.

Christian Louboutin for Louis Vuitton

Shopping Bag by CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN:

• Monogram canvas
• Toron handles
• Red calf-hair back
• Red edge dyeing
• Studded outer front pocket
• Central inner zipped pocket (Monogram and red calfskin)
• Large inner flat pocket (red calfskin)
• Double smartphone pocket (red calfskin)
• Knotted leather ribbons
• 4 bottom brass studs
• 11.8″ X 12.2″ X 4.7″
Price: $5,150.00

Shopping Trolley by CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN:

• Monogram canvas
• Natural cowhide leather sides and knotted ribbons
• Red calf-hair back
• Natural cowhide lining
• Double Toron handles
• Removable clutch and pocket mirror
• Luggage tag
• Golden-brass “trunk” corners
• 12,2″ X 29,1″ X 8,6″
Price: $23,300.00

Cindy Sherman for Louis Vuitton

Camera Messenger by CINDY SHERMAN

• Monogram canvas
• Cowhide leather handles, trim and ribbon closure
• 9 embroidered patches, based on the artist’s work
• Central pocket plus 2 inner pockets
• Magnetised flap
• Microfiber lining
• Silver-brass hardware
• 13″ X 10.6″ X 6.8″
Price: $4,400.00

Studio in a Trunk by CINDY SHERMAN

limited edition of 25
• Specific Monogram canvas with silk-screened decorative patches
• Removable vanity case with 1 lighted and 1 magnifying mirror and lacquered red handle
• Separate Camera Messenger bag
• Folding stool
• 7 large pivoting drawers
• 26 small pull-out drawers with hand-written labels
• Golden-brass hardware
• 23.6″ X 63″ X 25.6″
Price upon request

Frank Gehry for Louis Vuitton

Twisted Box by FRANK GEHRY:

• Monogram canvas
• Embossed blue lambskin interior
• Natural cowhide handles
• Detachable cowhide strap for over-the-shoulder or cross-body wear
• Golden-brass snap clasp
• Pocket mirror
• 8.3″ X 4.1″ X 4.7″
price: $4,400.00

Karl Lagerfeld for Louis Vuitton

Punching Bag in 3 sizes (Baby, PM and GM) by KARL LAGERFELD:

• Monogram canvas
• Aged cowhide leather trim
• Aged golden-brass hardware
• Textile lining
• Double chain handles
• Leather shoulder pads
• Padlock
• Inside pocket, zipped inside pocket and secret inside pocket
Baby Price: $3,400.00
PM Price: $3,950.00
GM Price: $4,400.00

Punching Suitcase by KARL LAGERFELD:

• Monogram canvas
• Aged cowhide leather trim
• Aged golden-brass hardware
• Textile lining
• 4 inside compartments, 2 zipped pockets
• 2 Monogram boxing gloves
• Training mat
• Luggage tag
• Padlock
• 18″ X 15″ X 5″
price: $5,900.00

Punching Trunk by KARL LAGERFELD:

• Trunk in Monogram canvas
• Aged cowhide leather trim
• Aged brass hardware
• 4 removable shelves
• Punching bag in Monogram canvas
• Suitcase and boxing gloves in Monogram canvas with aged cowhide trim
• Boxing mat
• Metal stand
• 12 Monogram flower iron weights
• Microfiber lining
• 23.6″ X 65.4″ X 18.9″
Price upon request

Marc Newson for Louis Vuitton

Fleece Pack by MARC NEWSON, available in 3 colors:

• Monogram canvas and shearling
• Microfiber lining
• Hidden top handle
• Shearling-padded retractable shoulder straps
• Marc Newson signature strap adjusters
• Sculptural zipper pulls
• Main compartment with mesh pockets
• Front compartment with mesh pockets
• 12.2″ X 19″ X 8.5″
Price: $5,900.00

Rei Kawakubo for Louis Vuitton

Bag With Holes by REI KAWAKUBO:

• Monogram canvas
• Asymmetric, frayed cutouts
• Cowhide leather Toron handles and trim
• Louis Vuitton textile insert pouch
• Bonded lining
• Gold-brass hardware
• 13″ X 16.5″ X 5.5″
Price: $2,790.00

images courtesy of Louis Vuitton and Harper’s Bazaar

The Louis Vuitton Celebrating Monogram Collection

See some fun and wild “non-official” applications of the LV Monogram here