End of an era

Kim Jones is stepping down as artistic director at Louis Vuitton menswear
By Alex James Taylor | Fashion | 17 January 2018

Top image: Louis Vuitton FW16, photo by Raffaele Cariou.

Kim Jones is set to leave his position as artistic director of Louis Vuitton menswear after a seven year tenure, meaning that tomorrow’s FW18 show in Paris will be his last for the storied fashion house.

“It has been a huge privilege to work with Kim,” says Michael Burke, Chairman & CEO of Louis Vuitton. “His ability to set trends is impeccable and his talent and determination have ensured that Louis Vuitton is firmly placed as the leading brand in luxury Menswear today. All of us who have been fortunate to work with Kim wish him continued success in his next venture.”

Gallery: Louis Vuitton SS18

GALLERY

Having graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2002 – his collection was quickly snapped up by John Galliano – Jones launched an eponymous brand the following year, mixing sportswear tropes with sharp tailoring. The success of his namesake label caught the eye of British luxury brand Alfred Dunhill, who approached him in 2008 to inject his vibrancy into the brand and he shuttered his business to pursue the role.

In 2011 Louis Vuitton came calling and the British designer took charge of menswear at the LVMH brand. Drawing on his love for travelling and his incredible archive of iconic fashion pieces (including early pieces by Westwood and McLaren, Issey Miyake and Leigh Bowery’s incredible DIY creations), Jones’ tenure has seen him bring a new, youthful dimension to the house through his designs and collaborations with the likes of British artists Jake and Dinos Chapman, and who could forget that FW17 internet-breaking team-up with Supreme.

Rumours are circulating as to where Jones will go next – with Versace seemingly leading the pack. But as for who will succeed him at Louis Vuitton, the house have said that Jones’ replacement will be “announced in due course”.


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