The Origins of the Louis Vuitton Monogram

The story of Le Monogram began in 1896, when it was created by Georges Vuitton, son of the brand’s founder Louis Vuitton. Its purpose went beyond decoration. At a time when counterfeiting was already a serious issue, the monogram served as a protective signature, making Louis Vuitton products instantly identifiable and difficult to copy.

The design combined four distinctive elements — the LV initials, quatrefoils, flowers, and diamonds — arranged into a pattern that was both elegant and unmistakable. Printed on durable canvas, it was perfectly suited for travel, which lay at the heart of the Louis Vuitton identity.

From Travel Trunks to a Global Fashion Icon

Originally, the monogram appeared on travel trunks, luggage and storage cases and bags designed for long journeys by train or ship.

As the 20th century unfolded, Le Monogram moved beyond travel and into everyday life. It became a status symbol embraced by aristocracy, artists, and Hollywood icons, eventually transforming into a global emblem of luxury.

Today, the monogram appears on iconic handbags such as Speedy, Neverfull, and Alma, wallets and small leather goods, footwear and ready-to-wear collections and limited-edition artistic releases.

Le Monogram Today: Tradition Meets Modern Design

Far from being a relic of the past, Le Monogram continues to evolve. Over the decades, Louis Vuitton has reimagined the pattern through bold color variations, oversized and deconstructed motifs, metallic and quilted finishes and unexpected material pairings, including denim and technical fabrics.

Rather than limiting creativity, the monogram has become a canvas for innovation.

Iconic Artistic Collaborations That Redefined the Monogram

One of the key reasons Le Monogram remains culturally relevant is its history of groundbreaking collaborations with artists and designers, including:

Stephen Sprouse – introducing graffiti lettering that disrupted traditional luxury codes

Photo by Raymond Meier, Vogue, March 2001

Takashi Murakami – creating the now-legendary multicolor monogram

Virgil Abloh – bringing a modern, streetwear-driven perspective to the house

These collaborations helped position Louis Vuitton not just as a luxury brand, but as a cultural force shaping 21st-century fashion.

Why Le Monogram Still Matters After 130 Years

Le Monogram has survived wars, fashion revolutions, and the digital age. Its enduring power lies in:

– a strong and consistent brand identity
– instant global recognition
– the ability to adapt without losing its core DNA
– a seamless blend of craftsmanship, heritage, and modern design

LV’s Le Monogram is more than a pattern. It is a visual language of luxury, deeply embedded in fashion history.

A Symbol of Heritage – and the Future

As it marks its 130th anniversary in 2026, Le Monogram stands as proof that true luxury is not driven by trends, but by continuity, storytelling, and the courage to evolve. From a functional travel motif to a global cultural icon, Louis Vuitton’s monogram continues to speak to new generations – without ever losing its essence.

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What is the Dolce & Gabbana Beach Club?

Dolce & Gabbana are known for their lavish summer pop-ups all around Europe.

In the south of France, in Saint Tropez, their Casa Amor Beach Club is adorned with the vibrant Carretto Siciliano print.

Photo by Thibaud Gegeor.

In Marbella, Spain, the brand opened the La Cabane Beach Club featuring their renowned Blu Mediterraneo print.

In previous years D&G took over some of the fanciest beach clubs in Capri, Taormina, St. Tropez and more.

The new addition that opened at the beginning of June 2024 is Le Carillon Beach Club near Portofino, Italy. It features a pop-up store and a restaurant run by Vesta. The entire location has been dressed in the new Verde Maiolica print. The chairs, sun loungers, umbrellas, tiling and more is beautifully decorated with the new pattern.

What is the Verde Maiolica print?

“A tribute to the Mediterranean, blending coastal beauty and Italian heritage, echoing the essence of ‘Made In Italy’ craftsmanship and Dolce & Gabbana’s signature codes,” the brand says.

Introduced during the Milan Design Week 2024, the Verde Maiolica pattern and print comes from Dolce & Gabbana Casa, the brand’s furniture and home accessories line.

According to the D&G, the white and green print “evokes the beauty of coastal landscapes and traditional ceramic painting techniques.”

Where can you find the Dolce & Gabbana Beach Club?

The beach club is located in the small bay of Paraggi near the famous fishing village of Portofino. An exclusive Dolce & Gabbana pop-up store is found right next door to the beach club.

The exact address is Via Paraggi a Mare, 10, Paraggi, GE 16038, Italy.

The beach club, restaurant and pop-up store are open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. (and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays).

You can visit the Dolce & Gabbana Le Carillon beach club from now until September 2024.

Sources: Instagram @dolcegabbana_casa (#1), Instagram @dolcegabbana_casa (#2), dolcegabbana.com (#1), dolcegabbana.com (#2), dolcegabbana.com (#3) Photos: Dolce & Gabbana, except where noted otherwise.

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The BMW XM Mystique Allure is the latest product of the collaboration between BMW and Naomi Campbell. This one-off creation is powered by the M HYBRID drive system. Blending progressive luxury with extravagant looks, it is inspired by British supermodel. Both exterior and interior of the car were designed using exclusive materials from the world of haute couture. The special edition XM also has a unique soundtrack devised in cooperation with film score composer Hans Zimmer.

Premiering at the 77^th Cannes Film Festival, Naomi Campbell presented the one-of-a-kind creation.

“Witnessing BMW’s vision for the BMW XM Mystique Allure come to life has been truly incredible. I feel deeply honoured to have sparked the inspiration for their first-ever high-fashion show car, which stands as a unique masterpiece in every aspect,” says Naomi.

Stunning details of the BMW XM Mystique Allure

The XM Mystique Allure is the BMW’s first vehicle ever to be designed using materials from the high fashion industry. It is inspired by Naomi’s favourite colour: a deeply saturated ultramarine shade, accentuated by a lustrous matte finish.

Two-piece split headlight units, Iconic Glow contour lighting for the BMW kidney grille, accent bands along the sides of the car, light-alloy wheels up to 23 inches in size and the vertically stacked and hexagonally formed pairs of exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear apron ensure the exterior of the XM has a visually stunning presence.

The interior of the car features rich velvet and shimmering frozen metallic sequins casting intense violet hues.

Driving sounds from Hans Zimmer

The bold appearance of the car is complemented by an acoustic character. At its heart is a bespoke adaptation of the BMW IconicSounds Electric, developed in collaboration with the famous film score composer Hans Zimmer.

In the M HYBRID drive system’s all-electric operating mode, every movement of the accelerator is accompanied by an emotionally engaging sound that authentically represents the car’s outstanding performance and magnetic visual allure,” says BMW.

Sources: BMW Group. Photos: BMW Group.

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The new women’s capsule collection has been designed by Victoria. According to the brand, it “reflects the essence of the designer’s eponymous label, considered the perfect blend of classic British luxury with a subtle contemporary twist.”

It consists of 46 pieces, with prices ranging from 50 EUR to 300 EUR (in Europe), or 80 USD to 500 USD (in U.S.).

Featuring trousers, blazers, blouses, spaghetti-strap tops as well as select accessories, the designs are comparable to those directly from Victoria Beckham. Victoria has been wearing these styles of clothes for decades and showing how chic, elegant and simple one’s wardrobe can look like.

“It’s a very edited collection of great tailoring and beautiful dresses that’s true to my brand DNA,” Victoria told Vogue.

The vivid campaign, photographed by David Sims, sees models Anok Yai and Freya Nutter wearing the new collection in and around a vibrant pool. The radiant turquoise color of the water comes in stark contrast to the beautifully ‘simple’ dresses.

The swimming pool has also been the inspiration for this collection. Specifically, the French film La Piscine (The Swimming Pool, 1969) starring Jane Birkin. Victoria took “cues from 70s style at its most sophisticated to propose a versatile day-to-night wardrobe. At its core, impeccably cut tailoring, feminine lingerie dresses, knitwear, and accessories — timeless pieces, set to become the stars of this season and many more to come,” according to wtplus.com.my.

The Victoria Beckham x Mango capsule collection is available online on mango.com and in select Mango stores internationally.

Sources: Mango, Vogue, wtplus. Photos: Victoria Beckham x Mango.

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