After 7 years of taking the helm as the men’s artistic director, Kim Jones departs . Since 2011, he has greatly contributed to building the menswear range for the French fashion house, producing creative collections which eliminated the border between chic athletic-inspired street, sophisticated tailoring, and avant-garde fervor with innate ingenuity.
Aside from transforming the LVMH-owned brand, Jones is also a beloved figure on the menswear scene. The designer is known for his extensive vintage fashion collection and a steadfast love for travel (he visited Japan at least 70 times over the span of a decade). His tenure at Louis Vuitton was noted with successful projects and collaborations including a stint with artists Dinos and Jake Chapman and the LV x Supreme collection that made headlines across the globe. Last season, unveiled an original track especially for Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Spring/Summer 2018 show.
Prior to joining Louis Vuitton, he briefly designed an eponymous collection that still remains a cult figure in fashion a decade after it’s closure. Afterwards, Jones headed the creative team at Richemont-owned label, Dunhill. The designer will officially step down after his Fall/Winter 18-19 show, which will take place in Paris this week. “The Vuitton job was my dream job,” Jones told GQ. “I was very happy to get it 10 years to the day from leaving college.”
Speaking of Jones’ exit, Michael Burke, chairman and chief executive of Louis Vuitton, told GQ, “It has been a huge privilege to work with Kim. 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.”
No details have been given yet on who will replace him and where Jones will go next. Rumors, however, are circulating that he might head to Burberry and Versace, with him being a possible replacement for Christopher Bailey who is set to leave Burberry at the end of this year.
Wherever Jones moves, his departure leaves a high-profile place at Louis Vuitton.
