Bronzeson Blog

GUIDE TO LOUIS VUITTON MONOGRAM AND PRINTS

May-01-2016 - posted by John Doe

There have been so many exciting variations of Louis Vuitton monograms and prints over the years that have become iconic in the world of fashion.  Below, we’ve put together a little guide on the history and properties of some of the brand’s most popular ones. Louis Vuitton got his start in 1854 as a trunk-maker in Paris. Fast forward to today, his namesake fashion house has been named one of the world’s most valuable luxury brands. In fact, anything emblazoned with the brand’s distinct monogram and prints are considered status symbols across the globe. MONOGRAM CANVAS: Easily the world’s most recognizable fashion prints, the Monogram Canvas is a true Louis Vuitton classic. The Monogram was first created by Louis’s son, George in 1896 to stop counterfeiters from copying the brand’s designs. The unique pattern is made up of interlocking L and V initials and flowers inspired by Japanese and Oriental designs. The canvas itself is durable, water-resistant and has proven to hold up well over time. Most vintage monogram handbags show little or almost no wear at all. MONOGRAM VERNIS: The line was introduced by Louis Vuitton’s newly-appointed creative director Marc Jacobs. The material is made of calfskin leather, embossed with monogram and coated with a glossy finish, hence the name Vernis (“varnish”). The Vernis is water-resistant but susceptible to scratches and color changes and transfer. Owners of the Vernis should be very careful not to expose it to sunlight for too long and when setting it down, do not let it come into contact with anything with dye including magazines.  (Tip: store in dustbag and out of sun). MONOGRAM EMPREINTE: Another embossed variation of the monogram, the Empreinte was introduced in 2010 and is made of a smooth calf leather with a natural grainy texture. The line is surprisingly durable and there’s a lush, less rigid quality to the Empreinte which softens over time. However, it is heavier than the other prints if you like a more substantial feeling bag. DAMIER EBENE/AZUR: Damier literally translates to “checkerboard” in English, which refers to the design of the pattern. Created in 1888, the two most popular versions of this print are the Ebene, a combination of two shades of brown or graphite (perfect for the men in your life), and Azur, a blue-grey base with a checkered white overlay (perfect casual chic look). For people looking for something a little more discreet, this print is perfect. Like the monogram, the Damier is made of canvas and is also known for its long lasting quality. EPI: The Epi, a sturdy textured leather was introduced in 1985 and inspired by a grainy leather Louis Vuitton used in the 1920s. It’s a structured material that requires little care and maintenance. The Epi has remained popular with Louis Vuitton customers looking for a more subtle look among the brand’s leather goods. OTHER NOTABLE AND LIMITED EDITION PRINTS: LOUIS VUITTON X TAKASHI MURAKAMI: The 2003 Monogram Multicolore collaboration between the brand and Japanese artist, Takashi Murakami was wildly successful and sparked a few more after. Murakami used what he described as his ‘Kauai palette’, incorporating it into the brand’s monogram print. LOUIS VUITTON X YAYOI KUSAMA: Another collaboration with a Japanese artist, this line featured monogrammed leather goods, clothes, and accessories covered in Kusama’s trademark polka dots. SUPREME: Louis Vuitton x Supreme: No one saw this collaboration coming since Louis Vuitton’s lawsuit against Supreme in 2000. The result was a mashup of the brand’s monogram in stark white against Supreme’s signature red backdrop, which caused a frenzy amongst the hype beast crowd inflating resale prices. LOIU VUITTON X JEFF KOONS: Probably one of the most well-known living artists today, Jeff Koons took famous paintings from five legendary artists – Leonardo Da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh, Peter-Paul Rubens, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, and Titian – and placed gold letters spelling our their names and the Louis Vuitton monogram over it. No collaboration has ever divided Louis Vuitton fans as much as this one but it sure provoked a lot of different reactions. Personally, we love seeing art and fashion join forces and this one’s brilliant.