When I think of trends in fashion or accessories, I always visualize them as a swinging pendulum. As soon as something reaches the nadir of cool, it immediately starts its journey back to the other end of the spectrum; some things take longer than others to complete that swing, but in a market that feeds on aesthetic nostalgia, anything that was very cool at one time will almost certainly regain the title eventually, in some form. Right now, it looks like monogram bags have almost completed their swing back to relevance.
Not long ago, we reported that logo bags in general were experiencing a small resurgence, but as we look toward Resort and Spring 2016 styles, it seems as though monogram print bags in particular are pulling away from the pack. That’s largely because of the work new creative directors are doing at the industry’s most monogram-friendly handbag brands, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
Both houses have experienced a creative resurgence under their new leadership, and that’s helped cast the monogram look in a new light. Instead of the conspicuous look of the early 2000s, Gucci and Vuitton are offering a more refined, 70s-referenced aesthetic that feels like it blends with an outfit instead of standing out in front of it. I wouldn’t be shocked to see other brands with historically popular monograms (think Fendi and Dior) begin experimenting with their signature prints soon as well.
To get the look without feeling dated, go for one of two extremes: tried-and-true classics in traditional monograms or contemporary, forward-looking pieces that use monogram as a familiar canvas for experimentation. The murky middle is a tricker spot to be, but to get you started on the right path, we’ve selected over a dozen solid Gucci and Vuitton pieces that fit the parameters, which you can check out below.
Gucci Dionysus Arabesque Shoulder Bag
$3,290 via Gucci
Gucci GG Supreme Mini Chain Bag
$950 via Gucci
Gucci GG Supreme Tote
$1,890 via Gucci
Gucci Lady Web GG Canvas Shoulder Bag
$1,650 via Gucci
Gucci Original GG Shoulder Bag
$825 via Gucci
Gucci Padlock GG Supreme Shoulder Bag
$1,950 via Gucci
Gucci Vintage Web Original GG Boston Bag
$1,350 via Gucci
Louis Vuitton Alma BB Bag
$1,820 via Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton Monogram Menilmontant PM Bag
$1,430 via Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton Monogram Montaigne BB Bag
$2,260 via Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis Bag
$1,650 via Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton Noé BB Bag
$1,200 via Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton Petite Malle Monogram Infrarouge Clutch
$3,600 via Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton Petite Malle Reflective Clutch
$5,500 via Louis Vuitton
Love that first gucci. I feel like most of these would still look better sans monogram, though.
I agree. Seems like the two patterns are competing. A plain taupe underneath would have been better.
Love, love, love the LV Pouchette Metis. It is my only LV bag.
No. 5 is on my wishlist!
Agree. It’s gorgeous.
Love the first Gucci bag! 🙂
Fashion houses may be leading the resurgence, but the fundamental problem I have with monogram remains unchanged – it’s CANVAS! (The Gucci Arabesque is large-scale leather applique) It’s poor value, especially when epi leather can withstand daily use just as well.
Agreed. Canvas does have its place, though. Good for a rainy day! Or a crowded bar where you could get spilled on, somewhere you’ll need to store your bag on the floor…
Does this mean that my old Coach bags with all the C’s will go up in value? Let me know so I can plan to sell.
uh yeah, no
The Gucci Arabesque Dionysus is still my fav out of them all!
http://www.simplymonochrome.co
I have a pouchette Metis and the bag IS NOT well I love it it’s a beautiful bag but the quality of the bag is terrible ..
Hi Cynnnn
What is the Problem with your Pochette Metis??
It really feels best when the monogram isn’t the center of attention, like the first Gucci and the Gucci in slide 6
I saw the the LV Montaigne GM this weekend and am really surprised it hasn’t received more attention. Personally I think it’s a great bag and I love that the body and inside are similar to the discontinued Chanel GST.
I’ve always like the monogram as they are a part of the design house’s history. I own a few monogram Guccis and one LV, and I love each one. for the life of me, I don’t understand the almost hostility towards the monogram items. You don’t like them, don’t buy them. They’re not going anywhere. If I remember correctly LV’s son created their monogram in the 1800s and Gucci in the 1960s.
It wouldn’t be a good business decision to get rid of their moneymakers.
I’m not a fan of continuous pattern logos.
I think perceptions are based on age. I remember the 70’s Gucci red/green stripe growing up so it doesn’t look modern to me. It just looks 70’s – and I don’t like 70’s style.
Patterned canvas logo bags remind me of knock off bags that you buy on the street.
I love the monogram in small doses, like in slides 2, 4, 5 and 9. Anything bigger than those is just too much for me, personally.
I love LV’s classic monogram. All my LV bags are classic monogram! 🙂
Funny you used the Pochette Metis as the lead photo of this write up since the Metis line will be discontinued soon.
Noooooo!!
Goyard is another that seems to be everywhere lately
Baaaaaasic. Monograms need to hibernate a bit longer. Can’t stand that Dionysus-Gucci hasn’t designed an innovative bag in years and now with a new c.d. they are trying to sticker label an old design as fresh.
Very well stated!
Gucci is FABULOUS. That is all.