Louis Vuitton is one of the most iconic luxury fashion houses today and also one of the most recognizable. Much of the brand's advertising and branding relies on its iconic patterns, which act as a walking billboard for everyone with a bag on their arm.
With so many stunning designs that suit almost every style and taste, take a deep dive into Louis Vuitton's patterns to learn more about their incredible materials.
The Monogram Canvas
The most recognizable Louis Vuitton pattern is likely what you picture when you think of the brand. The pattern features the brand's signature “LV” and flowers checkered over a gorgeous brown material. While the material that the monogram canvas appears on may look like leather, it is actually a specially coated canvas that gives it a pebbled, water-resistant finish.
Many classic bags the brand is known for are made with this iconic design and material. The Neverfull and Speedy collections are among the most recognizable luxury bags of all time, and they feature this gorgeous print. The print is also commonly seen on many of the luggage lines from the brand.
Bags made with the monogram canvas are loved for their ease of maintenance. The canvas can be easily wiped down to clean, and a bit of leather conditioner once a year keeps the material from cracking. Many previously owned Louis Vuitton handbags, particularly vintage pieces, are in excellent condition. You can keep the resale value of your monogram canvas pieces high by ensuring that they are stored away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Empreinte Leather
Similar to the classic monogram canvas, the Empreinte Leather pattern from the brand features the classic “LV” and floral motif design checkered onto a soft, supple calfskin leather. This pattern is typically monochrome, as the print is embossed into the leather. The understated nature of this pattern is perfect for those who love Louis Vuitton's designs but are looking for a more subtle piece. The pattern perfectly blends understated elegance and the 90s logomania trend.
The gorgeous LV Bundle Bag and certain lines of the Speedy bag are made with this stunning material. This leather softens over time, lending it to the brand's more unstructured bags. Handbags made with Empreinte Leather age beautifully and are easy to care for with leather conditioner and proper storage.
Damier Ebene Canvas
Similar to the monogram canvas in material but not print, pieces that feature the Damier Ebene canvas are simple but still gorgeously patterned. The Damier Ebene print is a simple check, incorporating the classic brown and gold colors that Louis Vuitton is known for. The pattern was created in 1889 but was lost to time until it was re-released in 1998. The name itself translated to “checker ebony.”
This print and material are used in a range of Louis Vuitton collections, particularly more structured pieces. The Alma, Speedy, and Neverfull collections, as well as a variety of small wallets and clutches, all have Damier Ebene colorway options. The pattern is easily recognizable as Louis Vuitton without the need for loud logos.
Damier Azur Canvas
After the great success of the Damier Ebene pattern, the brand released a lighter version of the print. The Damier Azur pattern features a white and navy blue checkered pattern, making it the perfect summer LV print. It is the same coated canvas as the Damier Ebene and monogram canvas, making it easy to clean.
Damier Azur handbags do age slightly differently than their darker counterparts. Because of the light color, the white tends to darken over time in a natural patina. Additionally, you should be aware that heavily dyed fabrics may transfer color onto the light bag, so choose your outfits accordingly when styling pieces with this design.
Vernis Leather
Released in the late 90s during the logomania craze, Vernis leather is a bold material with bold patterning. It features the classic “LV” and flower check embossed on a high-gloss calfskin leather. Because of its super shiny finish, the material looks similar to patent leather.
Vernis leather is used in many of the brand's statement pieces and often comes in bold and bright colors. The glossy finish of the bag occasionally features a bit of glitter, adding to the drama of the pattern. Alma and Reade collections often include Vernis leather options, and the structure of the bags looks gorgeous with this unique material.
Taiga Leather
If you are looking for a more masculine pattern from Louis Vuitton, Taiga leather is a great choice. Used in a variety of wallets and a few bags, the cowhide leather features a subtly textured surface. While typically in the more muted colors of black and gray, certain pieces, such as crossbody bags and Keepalls, offer bright colors.
The Taiga leather pattern is commonly used in the brands' utilitarian pieces, like wallets and work bags. These pieces are the perfect gift for the working man in your life who needs a bit of luxury in his 9-to-5.
Epi Leather
Epi Leather's understated pattern uses textured material to stand out. The hard leather is carved with smooth, curving strokes, creating a wavy horizontal pattern reminiscent of water. The more rigid leather makes it the perfect material for some of the brand's well-structured pieces, such as clutches.
The subtle pattern makes pieces easy to match with casual and formal outfits, and the range of colors available means you can always have gently used LV bags that match your color palette.
Always in Fashion
You can’t go wrong with any of the Louis Vuitton pieces, as they will always be in fashion. With patterns ranging from bold to subtle, colorful to neutral, shiny to matte, the brand has ensured they will always have a relevant pattern.
If you want to buy a secondhand luxury handbag, a Louis Vuitton bag is a great place to start.
Infographic
Louis Vuitton is a renowned luxury fashion house known for its iconic patterns that act as walking advertisements. With a diverse range of designs to suit different styles, learn more about Louis Vuitton's patterns in this infographic.
