Where were you when Louis Vuitton Multicolore Monogram first hit the scene? To remember, you’ll have to think back 20 years. Yup, that’s right, those unmistakable, can-spot-them-from-a-mile-away, rainbow LVs turn 20 this season. So where were you in 2003?
The Beginning
Marc Jacobs joined the House of Louis Vuitton in 1997, and he was told one essential thing; he was not to touch the logo. Ironically, Jacobs did just that and more, and it was his urban aesthetic and graphic approach to design that completely changed Louis Vuitton and fashion as a whole.
His 16-year tenure helped to skyrocket handbag sales for the House, and Jacobs will forever be known for helping to pioneer the world of fashion/art collaborations as we know them today. Forever a rule-breaker and despite what he was told, Jacbos was able to take historical House codes and modernize them, completely transforming a House classic in a fresh way. It is undeniable that Marc Jacobs’ time had a tremendous impact on Louis Vuitton, which is why fashion continues to discuss the Marc Jacobs era.
Going Down in Fashion History
Just one of many collaborations that will go down in fashion history, the ubiquitous Murakami Multicolore Monogram hit the scene in 2003 as part of the Spring/Summer 2003 collection. That season, Murakami brought both graphic prints (Cherry Blossoms) and rainbow hues (Multicolore Monogram) to the House’s classic Monogram. Almost overnight, they became a pop culture phenomenon, largely helping to define the Y2K aesthetic. Fashion girls everywhere were clamoring to get their hands on a piece from the collection, including Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson, and more.
The Multicolore Monogram featured a whopping 33 different colors on a white or black coated canvas background, completely redefining Louis Vuitton Monogram. The collaboration offered a youthful, whimsical spin on what was once considered strictly classic. While commercially, it was a massive success, the move was monumental in many ways, paving the way for the fashion collaborations of the modern day.
Multicolore Monogram was discontinued in 2015, making it the longest collaboration between Louis Vuitton and an artist in brand history. Still, to this day, it is one of Louis Vuitton’s most celebrated collections, remaining highly sought after on the resale market. Happy 20 years Multicolore Monogram!
all images via Vogue Runway
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