The Monogram, Louis Vuitton’s Emblematic Logo - ICON-ICON (2024)

4 September 201721 October 2020By Icon-Icon

The Louis Vuitton Monogram hides a thousand secrets that have nourished the collective imagination, from its initial inspiration to its more contemporary renderings. In 1896, one of the most coveted signatures on the planet first came out. Georges Vuitton, Louis’ son, would take up his father’s mantle after his death. To pay homage to him, the trunkmaker imagined a monogram canvas signed LV that was both supple and solid. Of course, the canvas incarnated the values of the manufacturer at 4 rue des Capucines in Paris: innovation, travel, experiencing different cultures, durability, solidity, and French luxury. The Monogram motif is the ideal combination of classic and modernity, French and universal aesthetic, but first and foremost ephemeral and timeless. Louis Vuitton’s initials and flowers are today the brand’s omnipresent signatures. When it comes to going back on the inspirations that led to Louis Vuitton’s very particular logo, experts suggest a number of possibilities. The lines for the floral motifs are such a mystery that some say they were inspired by the architectural details of old buildings that were like churches. Others evoke the tiles in the family’s home in Asnières. Some think that the floral motifs are a nod to coats of arms of the old Japanese nobility; Louis Vuitton was indeed fascinated by Japan. The Monogram print is the perfect encounter between the three great arts of humanity: gothic, contemporary, and Japanese art.

But the Monogram logo is also linked with the demands for authenticity back then. As counterfeiting was becoming a growing problem, Georges Vuitton had the idea to sign his father’s name on his trademarked work. Just like a monogram is an artist’s signature on his or her work, the Louis Vuitton logo is anchored in a secular tradition. From the very beginning of the Vuitton era, the Monogram was able to be transformed. Paul Poiret, one of the great couturiers of the 20th century, was a loyal client of the trunkmaker. He had trunks created for his brand’s couture creations, and to easily recognize them, he asked that a dot and stripes design be affixed to them. This logo has since played with a number of materials, shapes, and combinations; Louis Vuitton has never ceased to reinvent this simple and pure seal that’s synonymous with rareness and luxury. In 2014, the brand’s 140th anniversary opened with a project called: “Celebrating the Monogram”. The idea was simple and fun: invite six pioneers to interpret the timeless LV stamp for a new series of bags.

Marc Jacobs has also long reinterpreted and played around with the logo with artists like Murakami, Sprouse, and Kusama. “Ah, the Monogram, it was my obsession and my dear concern for a long time! When Mr. Arnualt entrusted me with the creative direction of Vuitton, I found that playing with LV was too expected, that I had to start somewhere else. But at the same time, like Mickey Mouse, the Mona Lisa, or the Eiffel Tower, the Monogram had the dimension of a global icon,” he indicated. For him, “The mustache on the Mona Lisa is the graffiti on the Monogram”. During his years at the head of the brand’s creative direction, the American designer ceaselessly highlighted Louis Vuitton’s emblematic logo by confronting it with postmodernity. “My second story linked to the Monogram is also artistic. I was visiting Charlotte Gainsbourg’s apartment in Paris one day, and I saw a Vuitton trunk in the corner painted black by her father, Serge. I had a flash of inspiration. And I started our work of re-appropriating the Monogram with Stephen.” More recently, Kim Jones gave a brand new dimension to the logo by teaming up with the most hyped brand of the moment, yielding Supreme and Louis Vuitton for Fall/Winter 2017. This collection is sure to go down in the books.

The monogram Louis Vuitton: Key dates

1889 : To fight the emerging attempts to copy its trunks Louis Vuitton puts inside its iconic Damier motif the signature “Louis Vuitton registered trademark”.

1896 : The measure proves to be insufficient and Vuitton’s son George makes a decisive move which will give eternal life to the brand: inspired by the “Japonism” of the Victorian age he creates a unique motif with flowers and geometrical symbols together with the LV initials. The legend is born.

18971905: The monogram is registered and patented and after the immense success at Paris and Chicago world fairs Louis Vuitton itself becomes a registered trademark.

1901 : The Steamer bag is first created. In its original shape has no LV monogram but soon the iconic code will be adopted.

1930 : The Keepall bag is born: this accessory is intended as an handbag and displays both the Damier or the Monogram.

1930 : In the same year the Alma bag is created both with Damier and Monogram. According to the legend it was personally commissioned to LV by Coco Chanel.

1932 : The Noe bag is born: originally in simple leather, later with the iconic Monogram.

1959 : LV makes coated canvas thinner, softer, more pliable in the materials we know it today.

1965 : Audrey Hepburn asks for a mini version of her Keepall: the Speedy bag is born. Jackie Kennedy becomes one of the first fans.

1997 : Marc Jacobs launches the Vernis collection: the Monogram and its materials are conceptually revised.

2001 : Stephen Sprouse is called to create the Monogram bag lines Graffiti and Roses.

2003 : Takashi Murakami gives birth to the revolution of the Monogram Multicolor and the Cherry Blossom line.

2005 : The Monogram is sued on Denim fabric for the Denim Monogram.

2008 : Richard Prince creates the Aquarelle or Watercolor Speedy: a radical reinterpretation of the Monogram.

2008 : The Monogramouflage motif is born.

2010 : The Empreinte Monogram is launched and the Mini Lin collection presents the Monogram Idylle Canvas.

2011 – 2012 : For the Spring/Summer collections 2011 and 2012 the oriental motifs of flowers and geometrical shapes of the Monogram are a must even on clothes for the ready-to-wear lines.

2012 : Yayoi Kusma creates the Infinitely Kusama collection and the LV Monogram is again reinterpreted.

2010 – 2017 : With the Tambour Monogram lines Louis Vuitton brings the monogram in the world of watches. In 2017, the Horizon model is the first smart watch displaying the monogram.

2017 : LV gives birth to the iconic collection of bags signed by Jeff Koons. The Monogram is there.

The Monogram, Louis Vuitton’s Emblematic Logo - ICON-ICON (2024)

FAQs

What is the concept of the Louis Vuitton logo? ›

The Louis Vuitton logo, commonly referred to as LV monogram, is one of the most famous and easily recognized fashion logos ever created. It was first designed by Louis' son, Georges Vuitton, who created the symbol by using his father's initials on the canvas.

What do the symbols on the Louis Vuitton monogram mean? ›

The interlocking L and V with floral pattern was designed by Louis Vuitton's son, Georges Vuitton, in 1896 as a way to brand his nascent box and luggage business, and in the 120 years since, it's become one of the most recognizable marks in the world.

How can you tell if a Louis Vuitton bag is real? ›

Louis Vuitton does not come with any authenticity cards. In order to tell if the bag is real, manufacturer places a unique stamp with a place and date code on the inside of the purse. Nowadays LV bags are not only produced in France, but also in the USA, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Spain.

What is the origin of the Louis Vuitton flower symbol? ›

The Louis Vuitton logo is basically a Japanese inspired flower motif which was created as a way to prevent coun- terfeiting of the Parisian company's designer luggage. This memorable logo is now synon- ymous with luxury, brilliance and indulgence, often worn by various celebrities as a fashion statement.

What is the message of Louis Vuitton? ›

“Inspired by the past, we make the future” is the mantra of Louis Vuitton, the century-old French luxury brand.

What are some facts about Louis Vuitton logo? ›

The “LV” Emblem was Designed by Vuitton's Son

Those famous interlocking “L” and “V” letters seen on the company's signature handbags were created by Georges Vuitton, Louis Vuitton's son, in 1896. Louis saw this as a way to cement the branding of his burgeoning luggage business.

Is Louis Vuitton monogram free? ›

Louis Vuitton offers a unique painting service only for hard-sided Monogram or Damier Canvas luggage. This service is free of charge and can be requested in any Louis Vuitton store. Louis Vuitton also proposes a unique hot stamping service for small leather goods, luggage tags and soft-sided luggage bags.

What is the Louis Vuitton monogram flower called? ›

And Color Blossom is now the name of a new Louis Vuitton jewelry collection inspired by the flowers on Monogram canvas. Color Blossom celebrates the Monogram flowers, created in 1896 by Georges-Louis Vuitton. Set into yellow or pink gold, the flower blooms into a carved tiger eye or white mother-of-pearl.

How do I check my Louis Vuitton code? ›

LV bags do not have serial numbers, instead, Louis Vuitton handbags have "date codes" stamped on interior tags or directly on interior linings or in a hidden location on the exterior of the bag.

Do real Louis Vuitton purses have red inside? ›

Lining. Although Louis Vuitton often uses different linings for different collections, Monogram canvas bags are generally lined in brown cotton, and Damier Ebene Canvas bags are historically lined in red microfiber.

How can you tell if a luxury bag is real? ›

How to spot a fake designer handbag
  1. Check the quality of the material the bag is made from. ...
  2. Take a close look at the hardware. ...
  3. The stitch work is another area to pay careful attention to. ...
  4. A cheap lining is another clue to look out for. ...
  5. The logo is another easy slip-up area for counterfeiters. ...
  6. Check the pockets.
Sep 1, 2021

Did Louis Vuitton change logo? ›

The only alteration that the Louis Vuitton logo has undergone since 1892, though, was the removal of the brand's name underneath the monogram. In 1997, designer Mark Jacobs decided to begin using the LV monogram alone across Louis Vuitton's marketing efforts.

Is Louis Vuitton logo a cross? ›

New Louis Vuitton logo was a bit more than just a Louis's house symbol with crossed “L” and “V”. It was a monogram that went down in history as one of the most popular and fashionable pattern.

What is the original Louis Vuitton pattern? ›

The design of Louis Vuitton's Damier canvas was invented by Georges Vuitton in 1888. A little over a century later, the pattern was reintroduced as the Damier Ebène in 1998, and it has been one of the biggest successes of Louis Vuitton since.

What makes Louis Vuitton unique? ›

Authentic Louis Vuitton bags are handmade from experienced craftsmen who take pride in producing impeccable products from only the finest and highest quality materials. The brand is synonymous with luxury, exclusivity and high-quality which create high demand in the market for its products.

What is Louis Vuitton main goal? ›

The mission of the LVMH group is to represent the most refined qualities of Western "Art de Vivre" around the world. LVMH must continue to be synonymous with both elegance and creativity. Our products, and the cultural values they embody, blend tradition and innovation, and kindle dream and fantasy.

What is Louis Vuitton core values? ›

Deliver excellence

We are privileged in being able to offer the highest quality products thanks to the exceptional savoir-faire or our artisans. We embody everything that is most noble and accomplished in the world of craftsmanship, paying meticulous attention to detail and striving for perfection.

Why is Louis Vuitton so iconic? ›

The brand has managed to maintain its desirability throughout the years by upholding its impeccable quality, creating strong demand, and using celebrities and upper-class society as its model clientele. All of these factors contribute to LV's appeal and create a strong and loyal customer base.

What is Louis Vuitton brand famous for? ›

The label's LV monogram appears on most of its products, ranging from luxury bags and leather goods to ready-to-wear, shoes, perfumes, watches, jewelry, accessories, sunglasses and books. Louis Vuitton is one of the world's leading international fashion houses.

What is the story of Louis Vuitton in short? ›

Louis Vuitton quickly became a valued craftsman at the Parisian atelier of Monsieur Maréchal. These were the roots of his highly specialized trade; the beginnings of his career in an artisanal industry that called upon skills to custom design boxes and, later, trunks according to clients' wishes.

Where are Louis Vuitton bags stamped? ›

The leather tab displaying the date stamp will always be located inside the bag or debossed on the side near a seam inside the bag. E.g. With a LV speedy, it will be behind the inner pocket on the backside of the handle. The indentation of the stamping should always be even, with the letters and numbers evenly spaced.

Is the Louis Vuitton monogram trademarked? ›

Louis Vuitton has used its Toile Monogram Design for over 120 years and has obtained nine trademark registrations which incorporate aspects of the design.

Do all Louis Vuitton bags have upside down LV? ›

Yes, it is very common for Louis Vuitton items to have upside down LV logos because their leather goods are often made with one continuous piece of leather. Some handbag styles, like the Louis Vuitton Speedy, use one large piece of leather wrapped round the exterior, resulting in upside down LV logos.

How much does it cost to put initials on Louis Vuitton bag? ›

This service is free of charge and can be requested in any Louis Vuitton store.

Can I get my Louis Vuitton monogram after purchase? ›

After purchase, Louis Vuitton offers its 'Mon Monogram' service on specific styles of handbags. However, if your Louis Vuitton bag is pre-owned, the only personalized service the high-fashion retailer offers is hot stamping.

Does Louis Vuitton put your initials on the bag? ›

For many years now, Louis Vuitton has offered personalization services to their clients all over the world. Aside from the Mon Monogram, Louis Vuitton also offers stamping one's initials or special characters (depending on store country) to their items.

Are all Louis Vuitton stamped? ›

Authentic Louis Vuitton Bags always include a stamp that says “Louis Vuitton” and “made in France” (or another country if it was made elsewhere) underneath it. If your bag is missing this stamp, then it is likely a fake. Look for the stamp pressed directly into the leather of your bag.

Do Louis Vuitton monograms fade? ›

Monogramed Louis Vuitton bags are made with high-quality coated canvas that may show color variation over time, but never fades.

Is Louis Vuitton monogram leather or canvas? ›

Monogram' Vernis,' meaning varnish (or "sparkly") in French, is a monogram embossed coated calfskin leather. The material was first introduced in 1998 when Marc Jacobs was the Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton.

What is the 3 digit code for Louis Vuitton? ›

Louis Vuitton started using 3- or 4-digit codes to indicate the year and month in which the item was manufactured. The first two numbers show the year, and the last one or two numbers show the month. In the mid-80s, Louis Vuitton started using letters in the date codes.

How do I authenticate Louis Vuitton online? ›

Below you'll find seven main traits to analyze.
  1. Logo. The Louis Vuitton logo showcases interlocking initials, with the "V" slightly higher than the "L".
  2. Monogram. The Louis Vuitton monogram includes: ...
  3. Stitching. As with all luxury bags, the stitching will be pristine. ...
  4. Date Stamp. ...
  5. Brand Stamp. ...
  6. Hardware. ...
  7. Lining.
Feb 24, 2022

What is hot stamped Louis Vuitton? ›

The trademark heat stamp is the embossed Louis Vuitton label that will be on the outside or inside of a Louis Vuitton bag or accessory. If inside, the stamp can be found on the lining or, in newer styles, on an interior leather or cloth tag; if outside, it can be found on the Vachetta trim, detailing, or strap.

Do Louis Vuitton bags have feet on the bottom? ›

Contrary to popular belief, LV bags have upside down symbols in some of their models – like Papillons, Speedy styles, etc. Louis Vuitton bags are made with a single big canvas without seams anywhere, not even at the bottom of the bags.

Does Louis Vuitton only use one piece of leather? ›

Louis Vuitton does use one piece of leather for a variety of different handbag designs. The material wraps from front to back, with no seam on the bottom, leaving the iconic LV symbol upside-down on the backside.

How do I authenticate my handbag? ›

Within the bag, you'll often find an authenticity card. Certain features of the card may be unique to the brand, such as a trim on the outside, a specific font, or the type used for the specific bag number.

Is it illegal to own fake luxury bags? ›

It is illegal to purchase counterfeit goods. Bringing them into the United States may result in civil or criminal penalties and purchasing counterfeit goods often supports criminal activities, such as forced labor or human trafficking.

Is my handbag real or fake? ›

Examine the bag for brand tags, authenticity labels, and serial numbers. Check to see if your bag has an inside tag with a brand name and a serial number on it (because almost all authentic purses will). The inside tags should be hand-stitched or stamped into the leather.

Why did Louis Vuitton discontinue bags? ›

We've all heard the phrase, “people want what they can't have.” Louis Vuitton has been limiting and even discontinuing, the production of many of its monogram items. This is an effort to ramp up sales on their more expensive, all leather bags – which in turn, helps them maintain their luxury status.

Why do Chinese buy Louis Vuitton? ›

These consumers buy mainly Luxe to affirm their social status and success, which is called in China: the Face “mianzi” in Chinese. Willing to spend more than a month to pay it, a young Chinese will buy a Louis Vuitton bag not to be different but to integrate.

Which is better Damier or monogram? ›

Monogram Canvas is identified as the LV logo print, and Damier Ebene Canvas is recognized for its brown checkerboard print. Damier is the first Louis print and considered to be the classier of the two by many, however It's always good to have a diversified collection.

What font is used for Louis Vuitton logo? ›

Futura is used for the 'Louis Vuitton' wordmark and text, creating a nice visual balance with the two typefaces offseting each other.

What does the LV monogram symbol mean? ›

In a Roman serif font, the symbol features an italicized “L” just below the “V”—which Georges flanked with an array of floral motifs. The first is a four-point star, which symbolizes fortune; the next, a four-petal flower, symbolizing joy. The last: a four-point star inside a diamond, which signifies passion.

Which Louis Vuitton pattern is best? ›

Which Louis Vuitton print is the most popular? Instantly recognizable, the classic monogram print on canvas remains the most popular Louis Vuitton print. True to the iconic brand's heritage, the signature print pays homage to the historical significance of the timeless design.

What are the symbols on a Louis Vuitton bag? ›

The interlocking L and V with floral pattern was designed by Louis Vuitton's son, Georges Vuitton, in 1896 as a way to brand his nascent box and luggage business, and in the 120 years since, it's become one of the most recognizable marks in the world.

How much is an authentic Louis Vuitton? ›

The price range of Louis Vuitton is from around $1,100 to about $6,000. Vintage purse prices vary depending on the condition of the purse and how popular a collector's item it is.

What is the design concept of the Louis Vuitton Foundation? ›

The building structure is made up of an assembly of white concrete blocks or 'icebergs' that are enveloped by 12 huge glass facades or 'sails'. The curves and angles of the glass sails give the building a sense of transparency and movement, as well as to reflect the surrounding water and greenery.

What is the design philosophy of Louis Vuitton? ›

Born out of an unquenchable thirst for exploration, Louis Vuitton carries on its founder's values of savoir-faire, creativity and innovation.

What is the main objective of Louis Vuitton? ›

The mission of the LVMH group is to represent the most refined qualities of Western "Art de Vivre" around the world. LVMH must continue to be synonymous with both elegance and creativity. Our products, and the cultural values they embody, blend tradition and innovation, and kindle dream and fantasy.

What is Louis Vuitton branding strategy? ›

Louis Vuitton employs a skimming pricing strategy, setting high initial prices for its products and maintaining them even as competitors enter the market. This approach allows the brand to maintain its luxurious image and appeal to consumers who value exclusivity.

What makes Louis Vuitton luxury? ›

Quality Materials and Craftsmanship

One of the main reasons why Louis Vuitton products are so expensive is because of the quality of materials used in their production. Louis Vuitton bags are made from high-quality canvas and leathers that are carefully selected for its durability and beauty.

What are the elements found in the Louis Vuitton Foundation? ›

In the construction of the Foundation Louis Vuitton reinforced concrete panels of white concrete, steel, laminated glass, and wood mainly used. The slab on which the building stands needed 11,000m3 of reinforced concrete and steel 12tn.

What is the personality of the Louis Vuitton brand? ›

The company creates innovative, elegant, and practical modern products of high-quality and is a leader of luxury luggage as an exclusive line. The brand positioning as a prestige and style statement adds to LV's image a dimension of elegance, practicality, luxurious- ness, desirability, stylishness, and high-quality.

What is Louis Vuitton ethical issue? ›

Sadly, the brand discloses inadequate policies or safeguards to protect suppliers and workers in its supply chain from the impacts of COVID-19, and there is no evidence is ensures payment of a living wage in any part of its supply chain or that it implements practices to support diversity and inclusion also in its ...

What does Louis Vuitton promise? ›

Helping vulnerable children in emergencies

By supporting UNICEF, Louis Vuitton promises to give these children hope for a better life. Among the initiatives taken under this partnership, Louis Vuitton launched the Silver Lockit jewelry collection, specially designed to raise funds for UNICEF.

What is the unique selling point of Louis Vuitton? ›

Personalization and Customization: Offering personalized and customized products can help Louis Vuitton differentiate itself from competitors and provide a unique selling point for its customers. The brand can create a more memorable and exclusive experience by allowing customers to personalize their products.

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