Will Kanye West Succeed Virgil Abloh as Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Next Creative Director?

It’s rumored that Kanye West may take over as iconic fashion label Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director after the tragic death of Virgil Abloh last month.

Whispers of the potential succession have done the rounds in tabloid news outlets The Sun and Daily Mail, with a “source” reportedly claiming that West is keen to take the role in honor of the legendary “Off White” designer and close personal friend.

It’s been reported that the two “shared a similar vision,” and that Kanye “feels he owes it to Abloh to continue his work with Louis Vuitton.” Virgil Abloh and Kanye West have been friends since working together as interns at Fendi over a decade ago. Though he hasn’t made any official comments since deleting his Instagram soon after the news hit, West was said to be “devastated” by the former creative director’s untimely passing.  

While nothing has been confirmed from either camp at this stage, Kanye himself has admitted to coveting the role for years. In an interview with Beats 1 he expressed envy stating “I felt like it was supposed to be me. I was the Louis Vuitton Don.”

Nor would this be the first collaboration between the rapper and the French fashion house with West teaming up with Louis Vuitton for a sneaker collection back in 2009- eleven years before Abloh was installed as creative director.  

Prior to his seat with Louis Vuitton, Virgil Abloh was known for pushing fashion boundaries and for his dedication to ensuring greater diversity and equality in the design industry. He passed away from cancer at the age of forty-one on 28 November, remembered by his wife and two children as well as legions of fans.