Virgil Abloh announced as Kim Jones' Successor at Louis Vuitton

Following Kim Jones' departure from his 7-year tenure at the helm of Louis Vuitton menswear - during which time the designer is credited with rejuvenating the historic French Maison with a new age urban energy - the global industry has been abuzz with rumours and speculation of potential replacements. Today LV has finally announced that Jones' successor will be none other than OFF-WHITE's founder and creative director, Virgil Abloh.

Despite owning one of the globe's most talked about labels, the haute-streetwear designer has been met with much cynicism by the global style elite (including public call-outs from Calvin Klein designer, Raf Simons); many of whom question his suitability to head a famous house as a result of his untraditional designer pedigree. This co-sign from one of the world's most powerful luxury houses may put these reservations to bed once and for all, and finally memorialise Virgil's legacy as the multi-hyphenate designer blueprint for a new generation.

A considered choice to continue the work of Kim Jones at LV, Virgil will recalibrate the storied Maison's output to connect directly with an emerging generation of new-wave luxury consumers with a fresh set of desires and priorities than their elders.

Abloh will make his debut at Louis Vuitton in Paris at men's fashion week this June.