Marc Jacobs is reportedly parting ways with Louis Vuitton. The designer, who has worked with the fashion house for 16 years, will not be renewing his 10-year contract.
The reports surround speculation that Jacobs is taking his own eponymous label public. Since LVMH owns a majority stake in Marc Jacobs International, a public listing would benefit the designer and the company that also owns Louis Vuitton. However, sources say Jacobs and his business partner Robert Duffy are not completely convinced of the idea, and Jacobs would need to be completely dedicated to the brand for the plans to move forward.
In his 16 years at Louis Vuitton, Jacobs has introduced men's and women's ready-to-wear lines, and launched collaborations with a collection of artists.
While Jacobs may not be renewing his contract with Louis Vuitton, his relationship with them is far from over. He will be designing collections for the brand's fall/winter 2014 show. His upcoming spring/summer 2014 show, which will reportedly include his greatest hits, will take place on Wednesday in Paris.
