PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 23:  Virgil Abloh is seen on the street during Paris Men's Fashion Week S/S 2019 wearing Louis Vuitton on June 23, 2018 in Paris, France.  (Photo by Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images)
Cover PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 23: Virgil Abloh is seen on the street during Paris Men's Fashion Week S/S 2019 wearing Louis Vuitton on June 23, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images)

Louis Vuitton CEO speaks out on the brand’s next steps

It is no question that Virgil Abloh made ripples in the fashion industry. He has left a legacy that's quite difficult to follow, making it a challenging task for Louis Vuitton to find a fitting successor.

See also: Rest in Power: Virgil Abloh Dies at 41

A detail that could be found in most of Abloh's creations was that he knew how to fuse together his influences from the past and progressive concepts. This groundbreaking concept is what the world lost upon Abloh's passing.

It has been days since the late artistic director's final collection, the Spring/Summer 2022, was unveiled during Paris Fashion Week. Apart from the tribute, the show is also a momentous feat for Paris as it was the first physical show for the Maison in Paris in a year and a half, according to Louis Vuitton CEO Michael Burke in an interview with WWD.

Burke also broke his silence for the first time after the artist's demise about finding a replacement for Abloh.

People have voiced out their own speculations. Some have rumoured Abloh's long-time collaborator and friend, Kanye 'Ye' West, will take his place while others are rooting for artists like Grace Wales Bonner, Jonathan Anderson, and more.

See also: Kanye West Partners With Gap: Check Out The Latest Drop Here

But Burke's statement has somehow cleared the air. "It needs to be given the right amount of time. It cannot be done under pressure. . .This is not a house that relies on one singular individual. Louis Vuitton is too big for any singular individual," said Burke.

The CEO also added that there are no limitations to becoming a potential candidate. There is an exception, however, when it comes to the craft.

The fashion brand sought the same unparalleled dedication that the previous artistic director exuded. He explained, "You have to have an appreciation of craft, you have to have an appreciation of materials, you have to have an appreciation of image and graphics, beyond, of course, products. You have to have an appreciation of the client. Virgil was always in the stores."

"Virgil was not only a genius designer, a visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom," said Bernard Arnault, chairman of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton may take all the time they need to find a new successor. Nevertheless, Abloh will remain an inspiration to many.

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