OK, so we know what you’re thinking: ‘Doesn’t this rumour fly around every few years?’ Yes, you’re right, but following last night’s talk with the designer and Grace Coddington as part of the Met’s ongoing talk series, it has returned once again.
The designer recently reignited rumours when speaking on French TV, saying his own label was “much closer to reality.” Obviously, he is still at the helm of Louis Vuitton – and recently announced he had renewed his contract for another five years – and back in 2014 (when the rumour was around before) said that he had no interest in running two labels at the same time.
“I have many more things to say at Vuitton,” the designer clarified at the talk. “That means also I have more possibilities, absolutely, and one of these possibilities is to create my own name. So stay tuned.” (!!)
Elsewhere, the pair – who have been friends for almost 20 years – discussed collaborating together on the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2019 collection, working together on the iconic Annie Leibovitz-shot, Alice in Wonderland-themed Vogue shoot, and the story of how the designer ended up at the helm of Balenciaga instead of Helmut Lang, who was rumoured to be heading to the house at the time.
“I think Helmut never signed the contract,” Ghesquière said. “They asked me to do a six-months collection, an in-between collection – just for them to have the time to find someone famous.” Those six months, obviously later turned into the designer helming the Parisian house for almost 15 years. ”Probably one of the things I’m most proud about is helping put Balenciaga on the fashion map today.”