LVMH and Nicholas Kirkwood announced today that they have entered into a long-term partnership which sees the luxury group gain a majority stake in the company.
The move, which is part of LVMH’s on-going commitment to nurture creativity and talent, will allow the British footwear designer to focus on the creative aspect of the business and help to build his brand internationally.
Kirkwood, 33, who refined his craft at Central Saint Martins and Cordwainers College, founded his eponymous label in 2005 and quickly gained acclaim within the industry for his innovative designs and signature sculptural shoes.
Kirkwood said, “It’s with a great sense of excitement and pride that I enter into this partnership. LVMH is home to the most celebrated and revered brands and talents in our industry and has an implicit understanding of luxury.”
The German-born designer has twice been named Accessories Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards and was this year named as the first Accessories Designer to be awarded the British Fashion Council/Vogue’s Designer Fashion Fund. He counts frequent collaborations with London Fashion Week designers Erdem, Roksanda Ilincic and Peter Pilotto amongst his collections.
Speculation of the acquisition by LVMH – which also counts Louis Vuitton, Celine and Givenchy in its Fashion Group portfolio - first emerged in March.
Delphine Arnault, Louis Vuitton’s deputy general manager and the daughter of LVMH boss Bernard Arnault, said: “We are delighted to welcome Nicholas Kirkwood in the LVMH group. Nicholas’ talent for shoe design is exceptional and I am especially impressed with his commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.”
