The history of Louis Vuitton's monogram

It would seem that the "Japonisme" art trend influenced the creation of the monogram which now peppers the handbags carried by all Japanese women. From Asahi:

"It started with a question: Why do the Japanese like Louis Vuitton so much?" says exhibition curator Kaori Ikeda.

"Then, after learning that Japan's kamon family crests had an influence on Monogram, I wanted to let people know about it, so they could be proud of Japanese culture," she said.

[...]

"The research group believes that Monogram derives from a balanced, global integration of Japonisme, Art Nouveau and the Gothic style," Ikeda said.

A unique and interesting history for what has to be the ugliest monogram pattern in the universe.