The Louis Vuitton monogram, two interlaced letters, is the symbol of an entire story, of a patrimony, a guarantee of traditional French savoir-faire. The Monogram canvas by Louis Vuitton, used by Georges Vuitton since 1896 as a replacement for the chequerboard motif, is today an internationally renowned seal. This artistic signature is composed of the initials L and V, an homage to Louis Vuitton, themselves encircled by three other motifs including a concave diamond concealing a flower in its center, a lone flower with inverse colors and then a circle enclosing a new flower with a concave form. A veritable allegory for excellence, universal recognition, so many characters personified through this unique stamp that this day, one hundred and sixty years after the brand’s creation, is being considered by 6 designers and artists for an arresting limited edition.
Ever since its creation, the Louis Vuitton Monogram has been revisited many a time, notably by skilled and experienced artists like Richard Prince and Takashi Murakami. A new phase is commencing with “îcone et iconoclastes”, a finely entitled project that is the initiative of creative director Nicolas Ghesquière and deputy director general Delphine Arnault. Recently announced, this event, in correlation with the 160 years of the opening of the first Louis Vuitton boutique on rue Neuve-des-Capucines, aims to celebrate the anniversary of the monogram canvas itself, “celebrate it all while breaking the rules of classicism,” according to Delphine Arnault. To this end, six eminent artists, each of whom excel in their domain, were invited to revisit this iconic canvas as they see fit. Shoemaker Christian Louboutin, photographer Cindy Sherman, couturier Karl Lagerfeld, stylist Rei Kawakubo, designer Marc Newson, and architect Frank Gehry are the chosen few, named by famed label to imagine and interpret luggage or handbags that integrate the design of honor. Each artist was given free reign by Nicolas Ghesquière to express their vision for the famed logotype, all while remaining loyal to the codes of Louis Vuitton.
From the industrial design of Newson to the nonconformism of Kawakubo, the objective is clear, as their vice president explains: “We wish to call out to personalities that work with audacity, both with their minds and with their hands. I found it fascinating and amusing to bring them together and to see their different points of view on the Monogram.” These exceptional models, reflected on by some of the greatest and most talented artists of this era, will be unveiled during the launch event on November 7th, while the collection will be made available in a selection of Louis Vuitton stores. A captivating project from an artistic point of view, but also, as affirmed by Delphine Arnault once more, “very special because the personalities were chose are fascinating.”
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