via Getty Images
After sixteen years, Marc Jacobs is leaving Louis Vuitton. While rumors that Nicolas Ghesquière will replace Jacobs, LVMH has not officially named his successor. Before Marc Jacobs started working at Louis Vuitton, they were focused on monogrammed handbags, trunks, and luggage. After naming him their first creative director in 1997, the brand has fully transformed under Jacobs’ guidance as he introduced ready-to-wear to the label. Louis Vuitton is one of the most profitable fashion houses in the world, and within a decade of Jacobs taking over, their profits quadrupled. Jacobs unparalleled talent for combining and pioneering contemporary art and runway has made him even more of a legend.
Jacobs is leaving his position as creative director of Louis Vuitton, the luxury brand owned by LVMH, but it does not mean the end for Jacobs at all. There’s a few reasons us at HauteTalk think that Jacobs made a smart move leaving the brand.
1. Going Public
via Getty Images
Jacobs main reason for leaving is because he wants to build on his brand and to do an IPO within the next three or four years. Jacobs brand is already one of the most successful brands in the US with everything from ready to wear to beauty, so building on his brand is going to be a great thing to see. Going public is also a smart choice. Jacobs is following in the steps of other fashion predecessors that have gone public. Michael Kors’ IPO raised $944 million. With numbers like that, I can’t blame Jacobs for wanting to do an IPO.
2. Building the Brand
photo via ca.watcheroo
Going public will give Jacobs the opportunity to continue building the brand. He’s already widely successful, but now he has the chance to concentrate only on the Marc Jacobs brand. With all his focus on his own brand, who knows what will happen? Jacobs has the potential, both from business and creative ends, to capitalize on his brand all over the world.
3. Freelance Jacobs?
via Forbes.com
Okay, this might be a bit of a stretch. Jacobs is known for paving the way of art and fashion collaborations on the runway. His last runway with Louis Vuitton is a show that was dark, bold, and the work of a genius. The show included escalators and fountains while models wore tribal headdresses and funeral clothing. Jacobs is also one of the most highly demanded designers to work with in the fashion industry. Maybe he’ll work on runway shows for different brands, transforming runway across the board for fashion, spreading the wealth of his genius grunge-loving artistic mind. A girl can dream, right?
Check out this video of Marc Jacobs Spring 2014 Fashion Show – his last one with Louis Vuitton:
