In the fashion world, two prominent Parisian fashion houses are currently at a crossroads, as they navigate their future creative directions. Nina Ricci and Louis Vuitton men’s have recently experienced significant changes, prompting them to search for new artistic directors.
Nina Ricci recently bid farewell to its artistic directors, Lisi Herrebrugh and Rushemy Botter, marking the beginning of an organizational restructuring process. This departure, coupled with the resignation of the CEO earlier this year, has prompted the luxury house to embark on a search for fresh creative talent. Initially, the brand explored the idea of collaborating with various creatives, but it has since returned to the notion of a more traditional artistic direction. The Puig Group, which owns Nina Ricci, is keen on finding a creative talent that aligns with its future development projects.
Rumors have been circulating regarding potential candidates for Nina Ricci’s artistic director role. One notable contender is Bianca Saunders, a British designer of Jamaican descent. Saunders is known for her unique reinterpretation of menswear codes, bringing a fresh perspective to the industry. Additionally, EgonLab, a label specializing in ready-to-wear fashion and renowned for its innovative use of digitalization and NFTs, is also being considered. A decision regarding Nina Ricci’s creative direction is expected to be announced in September.
On the other hand, Louis Vuitton, a crown jewel of Bernard Arnault’s fashion empire, faces the task of finding a successor to the late Virgil Abloh. Abloh, who was the artistic director of Louis Vuitton men’s, played a pivotal role in expanding the brand’s appeal to new generations and target groups. Under his leadership, the luxury house embraced fashion, multiculturalism, and social movements. Following Abloh’s untimely passing, Louis Vuitton presented two menswear collections that aimed to continue his impactful legacy.
Selecting a new artistic director for Louis Vuitton men’s is a matter of significant importance. The luxury house has garnered a reputation for pushing boundaries and appealing to the ever-evolving fashion landscape. While some anticipate that the brand may take its time in making this decision, others expect an announcement in the near future. Louis Vuitton has reportedly compiled a shortlist of candidates, with notable contenders vying for the position.
One prominent candidate under consideration is Martine Rose, an English designer acclaimed for her menswear brand. Rose also has experience as a menswear consultant at Balenciaga, making her a strong contender for Louis Vuitton. Samuel Ross, who founded his own brand, A-Cold-Wall*, after working closely with Abloh at Off-White and Yeezy, is also being considered. Moreover, highly regarded talents like Grace Wales Bonner and Mike Amiri have attracted attention as potential candidates. Jonathan Anderson, who leads his own brand as well as Loewe, is esteemed for his innovative approach and familiarity with the LVMH group, making him a strong candidate for Louis Vuitton’s artistic director role.
Ultimately, both Nina Ricci and Louis Vuitton men’s face critical decisions that will shape the future of their creative directions. At this point, both fashion houses are expected to announce their new artistic directors in September. It is worth noting that there is speculation that Louis Vuitton may make history by appointing a woman as the head of its men’s collections, highlighting their commitment to inclusivity and breaking gender barriers.
Useful links:
Nina Ricci Official Website
Louis Vuitton Official Website
