Introduced in 1896, Monogram canvas is Louis Vuitton’s most well known style. It is lightweight, supple, waterproof and resistant to scratches making it perfect for travel and modern lifestyles.
Louis Vuitton’s first line from 1888. Like the monogram canvas it is lightweight, waterproof and resistant to scratches.
Introduced in 2003 and was an instant success with wait-lists for many items in the black and white colour schemes. The line was made part of the permanent collection and new styles were introduced. The multicolore line involves no less than 33 silk screen colours.
Epi leather is tanned with plant extracts and then deep-dyed to form a stunning array of colours. It is water repellant and resistant to scratches. Discontinued colours include: Kenyan Fawn, Borneo Green, Toledo Blue, Castillan Red, Cipango Gold, Yellow (with a stunning purple interior), Vanilla, Pepper, and Lilac. The current colour range is comprised of Black, Mocha, Mandarin, Red, Myrtille blue, Canelle and Ivoire.
Monogram vernis is a sparkling and very feminine line of patent calfskin bags and accessories. Discontinued colours include: Baby Blue (discontinued in 2000), the very limited edition Orange, Beige, Silver, Rose Pink (discontinued 2000), Tilleul Yellow (discontinued 2000), Purple, Red, Yellow, Bronze, Fuschia, Lavender, Marshmallow (pale pink), Peppermint (soft green). The current collection includes: Amarante, Indigo Blue, Pomme D’Amour, Raspberry, Pearl and Hazelnut.
In 2001, there was a limited edition line designed by Robert Wilson, known as the Fluo line and popular amongst collectors. The line involved three fluorescent colour-ways: neon pink with orange stripes, neon green with orange stripes, neon orange with pink stripes. The Fluo line consisted of only a few pieces: Lexington, Reade PM, Reade MM and Houston aswell as accessories such as scarves and hair-cubes.
In 2002 the Special Edition Flower Lexington line was revealed in the following colours: Rose Pink, Black, Orange, & Beige.
A firm favourite amongst Louis Vuitton collectors. Suhali is a rare and precious goat-skin leather, especially selected for its character and grain. The Suhali pieces have refined finishes, reminiscent of the traditional Louis Vuitton trunks. Discontinued Suhali colours include blue and plum. Current collection colours include black, white, geranium, sienne and verone.
A limited range of expertly stonewashed denim bags and small accessories which have a vintage used look to the denim fabric; typical of Marc Jacobs, chunky hardwares complete these durable pieces.
The Inclusion line boasts a collection of small accessories and jewellery: key chains, bracelets, rings, phone charms, hair-cubes and hair barettes with new colours introduced each season. To-date, inclusion colours have been amarante, beige, black, clear, framboise, pale pink, red, white and yellow. The inclusion line is comprised of multifaceted Swarovski crystals encased in a resin finish.
Named after the Famous Caribbean Island Handbag & Yacht Races, Louis Vuitton's Antigua line has a nautical feel to it. Made from supple cotton canvas with bold striped interiors.
From 2001 and designed for Louis Vuitton by Stephen Sprouse (deceased). The Graffiti line was, again, a limited edition collection produced in three colours (khaki, silver and peach). The Alma was also produced in three sizes in a black and peach glace version.
Created by Julie Verhoeven in 2002 by mixing up Louis Vuitton fabrics to create an array of fantasy landscapes.
Created by Julie Verhoeven in 2002 by mixing up Louis Vuitton fabrics to create an array of fantasy landscapes.
Originally for the Japanese market in 2003, the Panda line was an instant success which then saw limited quantities available in selected other countries. Available in a limited number of designs, the traditional monogram canvas is embossed with a discrete and colourful Panda with the rear of the item imaginatively showing the back of the Panda.
Another limited edition of perforated monogram. Perforations dot the monogrammed canvas landscape, exposing the vivid colored microfiber lining. This line was made in cerise pink, orange and green in a limited range of bags and accessories: Speedy, Musette, Demi-Lune, Pochette, Pochette Cles, Compact Zipped Wallet.
A 2005 limited edition colour sees the traditional monogram canvas re-interpreted with a vibrant array of smiling cherry faces. The Cerises line is now discontinued and items available include Speedy, Sac Plat, Petit Bucket, Pochette, Keepall, Round Coin Purse, Pochette Cles, Compact Zipped Wallet, Long Zipped Wallet. High end pieces were also available.
The limited edition collection from 2006. The Charms line was made of vinyl coated silk with a vibrant charm print.
Monogram Mini canvas is a small and colourful version of the traditional monogram canvas, reinterpreted onto a light and textile canvas to create a casual and feminine collection. The original colours of the line are now discontinued and were beige, blue, cherry, blue tone on tone and khaki tone on tone.
A relatively new introduction to the Louis Vuitton line-up, Mini Lin is cotton and linen canvas produced in two colour ways: ebony and dune.
Monogram Satin was a line of very feminine and small evening bags available in black, red and beige. The monogram design was enhanced by subtle satin and metallic threads.
This line is discontinued. Monogram Mat was a range of classic shapes and simple lines with subtle metallic effects to the leather. The line was comprised of four beautiful and subtle colours: black, blue, violet and amber.
Aimed at the professional gentleman’s market, Glace leather is a very modern look with the monogram pattern embossed onto glace leather.
Designed by Marc Jacobs and inspired by the military, monogram bronze has a metallic shadow finish in a very limited number of pieces.
That’s Love is a range of three tote style bags produced in cotton canvas with calf leather trimmings with the word “LOVE” in vinyl mirror letters.
This is a range of very supple calf leather bags featuring the well known Louis Vuitton pattern which is minutely perforated onto the leather.
Damier Geant is an expanded version of the traditional Damier pattern in a light and comfortable textile. This is a casual line and aimed at the male market with a range of practical pieces for travel, city and sport.
The traditional damier pattern formed from calf-hair in a limited range of bags: Lionne, Gazelle, Tigre and Impala.
Taiga is an exceptionally fine cowhide leather with a sober grain. The leather was specially created for a range of men’s luggage and accessories for city, travel and business.
Utah leather is a warm and rich line of café brown pieces aimed at the gentleman’s market.
Nomade leather has a flawless surface and is tanned with plant extracts to ensure it develops a beautiful copper-toned patina with age.
From the 2007 Spring collection, this is another Marc Jacobs creation. Monogram canvas has been reinterpreted to feature rivets, top stitching and zippered closures. The Riveting Bag is also available in both ecru and black soft patchwork lambskin.
Monogram canvas with either a gold or white 18th-century style lace overlay.
Rare and distinguished exotic leathers such as ostrich, lizard and alligator are used to produce a limited range of pieces: Alma, Capucines, Cluny, Eliot, Lancelot, Lochness, Malsherbes, Mazarine, Ondine, Ophelie, Nessy and Pochette Arche along with a range of matching accessories.
Louis Vuitton are able to make a number of pieces on a special order basis so why not have your favourite monogram piece made up into damier canvas or epi leather? Requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis as not all items can be re-produced in other fabrics.
Subscribe and receive email newsletters with new listings, special promotions, and other information. Register HERE.
A recommended seller of Louis Vuitton. Click HERE to verify.
Copyright 2006 © R L Day
