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Six renowned and creative iconoclasts, Frank Gehry, Rei Kawakubo, Karl Lagerfeld, Christian Louboutin, Marc Newson and Cindy Sherman, have each been given carte blanche to create a personally inspired bag and/or a piece of luggage, using the iconic Monogram while keeping with the brand’s spirit of innovation, collaboration and daring.

Spanning, blurring and redefining the disciplines of art, architecture and design, this diverse and extraordinary group has created a unique collection.

The project itself was initiated by Delphine Arnault, Executive Vice President of Louis Vuitton and Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton’s Artistic Director of Women’s Collections.

“When we talked with Nicolas Ghesquière about the extraordinary talents we would like to approach we simply went to those who are among the best in their fields,” says Delphine Arnault. “We were interested in people who work with their minds and their hands. I thought it was so interesting – and fun! – to have all of these different points of view on the Monogram. It is inspiring to see how they envision things, to see their perspectives. This is a group of geniuses.”

“Monogram is timeless, yet with this project we wanted to celebrate it in a way that defied the conventions of ‘classic’ says Michael Burke, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Louis Vuitton.

These very exclusive and limited editions will be available in selected Louis Vuitton stores worldwide from mid-October 2014. "The Icon and The Iconoclasts: The Celebration of Monogram" launch event will take place in New York City on November 7th, 2014.

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Upon returning from Japan in the 1940s, the architect, designer and photographer, Charlotte Perriand, wrote: “A new way of living awaited me there: work, leisure, discovery, representation. I had made up my wardrobe with interchangeable “modules,” as in my investigations of standardization: four skirts, long or short, for the lower body and sweaters, blouses and bustiers for the top, all of which combined to give me at least 16 possibilities. By adding scarves, stoles, atypical jewels and gloves, I achieved wide variety with a great deal of surprise and fantasy.”

In this regard, the clothes from the 2014/2015 Icons collection are designed to face the challenges of a busy woman’s life. The wardrobe offers modern comfort and nomad elegance, together with exceptional craftsmanship and a basic colour palette including burgundy, park green, navy, black and beige.

To add effortless glamour to your silhouette, the 2014 Prefall collection associates the essence of the 1980s throughout new suiting, fluid dresses, outerwear, with contrasted elements such as leather, fur, sequins graffiti prints and embroideries.

The strong and lasting ties between the House and the Principality are strengthened by a common vision, as HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco states, "Elegance, beauty and refinement are values shared by the Principality and this prestigious Maison."

By presenting his first Cruise collection as Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton’s women’s collections in the French Riviera, Nicolas Ghesquière is also connecting with the past: the origins of the Louis Vuitton legend, on the Côte d’Azur, where the arts of travel, luxury and escape first joined hands.

Blogger Pelayo Diaz documented the event with this series of photo from the front row.

Stay tuned to discover Louis Vuitton by Nicolas Ghesquière’s second collection, live from Monaco's place du Palais.

Watch the Women's Cruise Fashion Show on louisvuitton.com and follow Louis Vuitton's social media pages for additional insider content.

Under the patronage of and in the presence of HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco, the second collection created by Nicolas Ghesquière for Louis Vuitton will be shown on Saturday, 17 May at 7pm (CET) and will be broadcast live, on louisvuitton.com, from the exceptional Palace Square on ‘The Rock’.

"I am particularly pleased to welcome Louis Vuitton’s Cruise show to Monaco’s Palace Square, and to discover Nicolas Ghesquière’s collection," says HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco.

Overlooking the principality, the Palace square is its true heart and soul, home to its famous changing of the Carabinieri guard. This will be the first time in its long history that the mythical square hosts a fashion show.

Louis Vuitton has long held links with the Cote d’Azur and returns to its legendary roots in the Art of Travel, luxury and escapism with this first show of a Cruise collection.

"The first Cruise collection by Nicolas Ghesquière for Louis Vuitton showcases the historical relationship between our Maison and the Principality of Monaco. Louis Vuitton has indeed been tied to the destiny of this legendary rock for many years", says Michael Burke, Chairman & CEO of Louis Vuitton.