The Damier canvas print was actually created before the Monogram in 1888, believe it or not. Re-released in 1998, Damier – which means checkerboard – refers to the design style. Like the Monogram, it is made of coated cotton canvas. The most recognizable Damier canvases are probably the Damier Ebene and Damier Azure – though they do come in other colors. The Ebene (above, left) has a black canvas base, printed over with brown checkerboard which is why, when the bag is gently used, it can often fade to black. The same is true for the Damier Azure, which has a blue base and a white checkerboard overlay. With the tiny logo fit sporadically into squares, many people consider the Damier bags to be more subtle than the Monogram.