Yahoo Lifestyle Marc Jacobs Leaves Louis Vuitton
Marc Jacobs walks the runway at his last show for Louis Vuitton. Photo by Getty Images
It seemed no coincidence that Marc Jacobs’ spring/summer collection for Louis Vuitton was reminiscent of a funeral: it was his last show ever for the iconic brand.
The shock news was announced following the designer’s show, which was a nod to Louis Vuitton’s rich past with Jacobs at the helm.
His infamous carousel from Spring 2012, the elevator from Fall 2011, the hotel rooms from Fall 2013 and the escalator from Spring 2013 were all present as props, but this time they were covered in black, as if to signify the end of an era.
Models including Kate Upton, Natasha Poly and Edie Campbell further enforced the doomsday theme as they strutted the runway in a variety of all-black outfits and headpieces covered in feathers and lace.
Finally, a huge clocked loomed above the set, as if counting down the final hours with Jacobs at the helm of a brand he’s credited with turning into a worldwide success.
Although it seemed Jacobs had been planning his departure for months, he confessed to press that he’d made the decision only on the morning of the show.
"Marc Jacobs' departure is not a big surprise," said analyst Antoine Belge at HSBC. "But if the IPO is confirmed, LVMH will lose one of its fastest-growing brands."
It seems there’s no bad blood between Jacobs and LVMH though, with Jacobs dedicating his show to the chairmen of the brand: “For Robert Duffy and Bernard Arnault. All my love, Always,” said the show notes.
A successor has not yet been named, but it's thought former Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquière is the current front runner for the job.
"It would be a positive sign if Ghesquiere joined Louis Vuitton as he is one of the most coveted designers today and he would give a creative jolt to the brand," said David Da Maia, analyst at brokerage Aurel BGC in Paris.
Models pose backstage at the Louis Vuitton show.
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