In the eyes of many, it’s the most instantly recognisable icon in fashion history. With the power to conjure a preconception in the most distant of fashion followers, the omnipresent Louis Vuitton monogram is unarguably a marker for the industry which it inhabits.
Georges Vuitton’s original monogram was created in 1896, paying tribute to his late father Louis, and cementing his legacy firmly into his namesake brand. Today, as the brand reigns as a global design powerhouse, the monogram continues to prevail in endless guises.
The Icon and the Iconoclasts is a special project instigated by Delphine Arnault and Nicolas Ghesquiѐre to celebrate the timeless design in a thoroughly contemporary way. The project sees Vuitton joined by six celebrated iconoclasts: Christian Loubouyin, Cindy Sherman, Frank Gehry, Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Newson and Rei Kawakubo, all of whom have employed unrestricted artistic licence to create their vision of the Vuitton monogrammed luggage. (Rumour has it, Lagerfeld’s vision comes in punching-bag form) The result is a unique opportunity to view the iconic monogram through the eyes of the house’s design peers, and a collaborative collection of exclusive pieces which perfectly embody the Vuitton spirit of artistic innovation and brand reinvention.
The limited-run collection will launch into Louis Vuitton flagships in November 2014, following a launch event in New York City. Preview imagery will emerge later in the Summer.
by Roberta Lister