NICOLAS GHESQUIÈRE. Photo by Rex Features

NICOLAS GHESQUIÈRE has officially been named Louis Vuitton‘s new creative director, if online speculation tonight is to be believed. While a spokesperson for Vuitton declined to comment as of 8 o’clock this evening, the former Balenciaga helmer has taken on the job, according to the New York Magazine and a plethora of bloggers who have been watching his every move since Jacobs announced his departure from the house last week. However, an LVMH spokesperson told WWD that ”nothing has been decided.”

Ghesquière has been rumoured to be the frontrunner for the role for some time, although Bernard Arnault said last week that “no decision will be made immediately”. The designer left his position at Balenciaga in November last year and is currently being sued by the brand’s owner, Kering, for breach of confidentiality after he criticised the label’s management in an interview. He accused the fashion house of “lacking in direction”, and described being “sucked dry” during his tenure there.

Marc Jacobs surprised the industry with his exit at the Louis Vuitton show last Wednesday, in order to focus on his eponymous brand which is heading for an IPO. He held the role of creative director for 16 years and introduced the label’s ready-to-wear line.

View source here.