In the ever-evolving world of fashion, designer collaborations are a staple. Season after season, we see industry powerhouses collaborating to create buzzworthy collections. But in 2014, Louis Vuitton took things to the next level with a groundbreaking initiative that redefined what a luxury collaboration could be.
To celebrate its 160th anniversary, the French fashion house unveiled the Louis Vuitton Icon and Iconoclasts Collection, also known as “Celebrating Monogram.” This limited-edition project honored the brand’s most recognizable symbol—the monogram canvas, originally designed by Georges Vuitton in 1896—by inviting six world-renowned visionaries to reinterpret it in their own unique style.
Handpicked by Executive Vice President Delphine Arnault and Artistic Director Nicolas Ghesquière, the collaborators included Christian Louboutin, Cindy Sherman, Frank Gehry, Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Newson, and Rei Kawakubo. Each creative was given complete artistic freedom to reimagine Louis Vuitton’s iconic materials, resulting in bold, avant-garde pieces that push the boundaries between fashion, art, and functionality.
Louis Vuitton enlisted world-renowned designers to reimagine its iconic monogram, resulting in bold, avant-garde creations for the Celebrating Monogram collection
All geniuses in their field, these artists got together to create what could be Louis Vuitton’s most epic collaboration project to date.
The Louis Vuitton Icon and Iconoclasts Collection features a diverse range of bag styles, from more traditional-looking options with stud details and patchwork to downright quirky offerings that incorporate holed-up leather and unusual silhouettes.
These babies have costly price tags, but we’re not surprised. Judging from the names included in the collab roster (and given the LV stamp), we’ve already anticipated that the handbags will be a financial strain on our wallets.
Standout Designs from Louis Vuitton’s Celebrating Monogram Collection
Here are some of our favorite pieces from the collection:
Rei Kawakubo’s $2,790 ‘Bag With Holes’ boldly subverts Louis Vuitton’s iconic Sac Plat with raw, asymmetrical cutouts—challenging tradition while including a textile insert pouch for practical use
Karl Lagerfeld designed a boxing-inspired collection, featuring punching bags in Baby, PM, and GM sizes, a punching suitcase, and a trunk equipped with boxing gloves and a mat.
Punching Bag Baby by Karl Lagerfeld, $3,400
Punching Suitcase Karl Lagerfeld, $5,900
Marc Newson’s $5,900 ‘Fleece Pack’ blends functionality with luxury, featuring cozy shearling, monogram canvas, custom hardware, and a structured design meant to stand upright—crafted in neutral, blue, and orange colorways
Christian Louboutin’s ‘Shopping Bag’ reinterprets Parisian market totes with a glamorous twist—featuring gold-tone studs, leather ribbons, and his signature red detailing, priced at $5,150
Cindy Sherman’s limited-edition ‘Camera Messenger’ bag, priced at $4,400, playfully mimics vintage travel trunks with appliqué patches inspired by hotel stickers, crafted for icons like Madonna and Lady Gaga, and limited to just 25 pieces
Frank Gehry’s $4,400 ‘Twisted Box’ transforms Louis Vuitton’s monogram canvas into an architectural statement, with sculptural lines, a blue lambskin interior, and a design fit for royalty—he envisioned Queen Elizabeth II carrying it
Explore More Louis Vuitton Fashion Moments
For more on Louis Vuitton’s impact in the world of fashion, check out our roundup of the 12 most iconic Louis Vuitton bags that continue to define luxury style. If you’re curious about their footwear, don’t miss our guide to the most popular Louis Vuitton shoes, complete with styling tips and how to spot counterfeits.
For a dose of celebrity inspiration, see how Ana de Armas and Emma Stone rock Louis Vuitton on the red carpet. And if you’re investing in a designer piece, our detailed guide on how to spot fake Louis Vuitton bags is a must-read.