Louis Vuitton Officially Names Nicolas Ghesquière as Artistic Director of Women's Collections

Louis Vuitton has made its latest hire official, finally confirming the long-rumored addition of Nicolas Ghesquière as the new Artistic Director of Women’s Collections. The former Balenciaga creative director (he was succeeded by Alexander Wang in 2012) is set to take over for Marc Jacobs, who recently stepped down after a 16-year career to focus on his own eponymous label and its upcoming initial public offering. Vuitton said that Ghesquière would bring “a modern creative vision to the house’s women’s collections, building on the values of refinement, savoir faire and extreme quality” with the designer himself adding, “Louis Vuitton has always incarnated for me the symbol of ultimate luxury, innovation and exploration. I am very honored of the mission that I am entrusted with, and proud to join the history of this great maison. We share common values and a vision.” Acclaimed for his influential experimentation and couture approach, Ghesquière will unveil is first collection for the stored French luxury label in March of 2014 as Louis Vuitton celebrates its 160-year anniversary.