Marc Jacobs Exits Louis Vuitton After 16 Years, Who's The Replacement?

As September's fashion month draws to a close, style lovers are hit with the monumental news that designer Marc Jacobs has announced his exit from fashion house Louis Vuitton after 16 years helping to create the brand's looks.

Marc Jacobs Is To Leave Louis Vuitton.

The 50 year-old designer will leave LV to focus on his own label as it heads towards an Initial Public Offering (IPO). The news was confirmed by LVMH chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault this morning following the Louis Vuitton Paris show and marks the end of a successful tenure that spanned 16 years.

Jacobs made a major impact this September on the catwalks under his own label, particularly with his gothic-inspired New York Armouries show. His final Louis Vuitton show - a celebration of his "greatest hits" - was presented all in black as a nod to his first ever show at the fashion house. The typically elaborate set included escalators, a carousel and a large clock and Jacobs dedicated the show to all the women who have inspired him, praising "the showgirl in every one of them" and was honoured with a standing ovation, reports Vogue.

The Designer Will Focus On His Own Brand, Marc Jacobs.

Marc Jacob's own brand is expected to go public within the next three years; a move that LVMH, the luxury goods conglomerate that owns Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs, is reportedly keen to pursue. To get his brand to this stage, Jacobs will have to focus his attention on his brand whilst two new designers have been brought into his other brand, Marc by Marc Jacobs.

"We're doing what's good for Marc and the future of his company," said Louis Vuitton Chief Executive Michael Burke, via the Mirror, adding "Marc's wish is to take it to the next level.

Marc Jacobs' New York Show Was A Stunning Success.

Jacob's successor at Louis Vuitton has not yet been named but there is speculation that Nicolas Ghesquière, the former creative director for Balenciaga will step in. In his time at LV, Jacobs oversaw the brand transformation from luggage lines and leather to lust-worthy ready-to-wear pieces.