The fashion industry is abuzz with discussions about who will take over as the creative director of Louis Vuitton menswear following the untimely death of Virgil Abloh. Speculation has arisen after British tabloid The Sun suggested that Abloh’s close friend, rapper Kanye West, could potentially fill the role. According to the tabloid, West and Abloh had reportedly talked about this possibility prior to Abloh’s passing at the age of 41. The two artists became friends in 2009 while working together at Fendi, a brand owned by LVMH, the parent company of Louis Vuitton. West further cemented his relationship with Louis Vuitton through collaborations on sneaker designs and the launch of his own streetwear brand, Yeezy, in 2015.
However, West’s unpredictable reputation and recent associations with rival luxury conglomerate Kering could potentially work against him in the eyes of LVMH. There have been instances where West has been seen attending Kering-owned fashion shows and even partnering with Balenciaga designer Demna Gvasalia for his album launch event. These connections raise doubts about whether LVMH would seriously consider West for such a prestigious position at Louis Vuitton.
Nonetheless, it is imperative for LVMH to address the issue of succession promptly, not just for Louis Vuitton but also for Abloh’s own brand, Off-White. Earlier this year, LVMH acquired a majority stake in Off-White, making it crucial for the company to find a suitable replacement. It is likely that an interim solution will be chosen internally to fill the void left by Abloh’s passing. The search for Abloh’s successor at both Louis Vuitton and Off-White will undoubtedly be a significant task for LVMH in the months ahead.
As this story develops, it will be interesting to see who ultimately takes on the role of creative director at Louis Vuitton menswear. The fashion industry is eagerly anticipating LVMH’s decision, which will shape the future of not only the brand but also the broader landscape of menswear. The legacy left behind by Virgil Abloh is one that will be difficult to match, but it presents an opportunity for a new visionary to make their mark on the industry.
Useful links:
1. Luxury Daily: Louis Vuitton and What Comes Next After Influential Creative Director Virgil Abloh
2. Vogue UK: Louis Vuitton’s Next Creative Director: Who Will Step Into Virgil Abloh’s Shoes?
