Fashion

Marc Jacobs May Bid Louis Vuitton Adieu

by Candace Bryan

It's mind-blowing when designers simultaneously create clothes for multiple brands. Seriously, where does Alexander Wang get the creative energy to head both his own line and Balenciaga?

Marc Jacobs is another such Renaissance designer, as head designer at Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs, and as creative director at Louis Vuitton. But for reasons unbeknownst to us, he may soon see the end of his 16 year-long career at LV. Reuters reports that his contract with the brand ends next month, and it's likely that it won't be renewed.

In the past year, Louis Vuitton sales have apparently suffered, as consumers have begun to avoid logo-covered merchandise. The brand famous for its heavily labeled bags has been unable to keep up with these shifting demands.

This can't really be Marc Jacobs' fault. But as Louis Vuitton hopes to relaunch, it makes sense that they'd want a fresh designer to add something new to the brand. Some rumors are circulating that Nicolas Ghesquière, the former creative director at Balenciaga, might be Jacobs' replacement, and that move would certainly give Louis Vuitton the press it probably needs. (Fashion people loooovvve Nicolas Ghesquière.)

Though none of this speculation has actually been confirmed by Marc Jacobs or Louis Vuitton, I'm kind of hoping it's true. As talented as Marc Jacobs is, I agree that the Louis Vuitton brand needs a serious dose of freshness — and I could happily go the rest of my life without seeing a brown monogrammed "LV" purse again.