Will Kanye West be Louis Vuitton’s next creative director?

Following the passing of the fashion world’s latest superstar, American designer Virgil Abloh, many have been paying tribute to him. And of course, once the days of mourning have passed, the rumours have predictably started about who could fill the coveted position of creative director of Louis Vuitton’s men’s line that Virgil left behind. Can you guess who is on this list? Think wrong and you’ll be right…

Yes, you got it right. As we said, the rumours have started to gain momentum and one of the first names to appear on this list was that of his close friend and almost family, Kanye West, now known as “YE”. Many have been surprised to hear and see the name of the rapper and successful designer on this list, but what is certain is that Kanye has already collaborated with the emblematic French luxury house, Louis Vuitton, specifically 10 years ago in the design of the most successful “sneaker” in the history of the maison.

Other names that are also being strongly rumoured for this position are designers Daniel Lee and Kris Van Asche, former creative directors of Bottega Veneta and Berluti, respectively, who are now free. On the other hand, rumours also suggest that the luxury brand could look to Riccardo Tisci, current creative director of Burberry and in charge of relaunching the brand, as well as being another of those responsible for uniting the luxury and streetwear sectors, like Virgil. Craig Creen and Haider Ackerman are also two other names that have been strongly mentioned.

But if Louis Vuitton wants to continue the legacy that Abloh left us and continue to trust in black designers, the first names that come to mind are Kerby Jean Raymomd, current creative director of Reebok, founder and creative director of Pyer Moss and the first black American designer invited to present his haute couture collection during Paris fashion week, Shayne Oliver, founder of the Hood By Air brand, or Virgil’s former collaborators, Samuel Ross of A-Cold-Wall and Heron Preston. Finally, two of the names that are also sounding strong are Telfar Clemens, founder and creative director of Telfar, and Grace Wales Bonner, founder and creative director of Wales Bonner.

Which of these names do you think will be chosen? Will Kanye West be the next creative director of Louis Vuitton, or will it finally be one of Virgil Abloh’s right-hand men? We’ll have to wait and see what happens.