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.