CHECKMATE

Timeless geometry meets modern versatility in Louis Vuitton's Le Damier de Louis Vuitton collection, a unisex celebration of shared style and everyday luxury.

- ANANDHI GOPINATH

THE DAMIER MOTIF, one of Louis Vuitton's most enduring icons, traces its origins back to 1888, when it was introduced as a revolutionary design to distinguish the maison's creations and protect them from counterfeiting. A checkerboard pattern of light and dark squares, the Damier—which, ironically, was faked many times over as the popularity of the brand soared—was a bold departure from the era's simpler luggage aesthetics, embedding a subtle sophistication into the brand's offerings. Its original iteration, crafted for Louis Vuitton trunks, featured the inscription "Marque L. Vuitton déposée", underscoring its exclusivity and trademark status.

While the motif took a momentary backseat to the Monogram canvas introduced in 1896, the Damier was reimagined in 1996 with the launch of Damier Ebene, celebrating the centenary of Louis Vuitton's signature designs. This revival marked the start of a new era, with the pattern gracing everything from luggage to leather goods, and later evolving into lighter and darker variations like Damier Azur and Damier Graphite. Today, the timeless Damier has transcended its origins, inspiring not only travel goods but also fine jewellery.