Industry insiders are particularly intrigued by the timing and circumstances of their departure. At just 46 years old, both designers are stepping away from their creation at what appears to be a stable period for the brand. This unusual move has fueled speculation about their potential next venture, with rumors suggesting they may be in line to succeed Jonathan Anderson at LVMH’s Loewe.
The fashion world has been closely watching this development, especially given the brand’s prestigious history and its unique position in American fashion. As noted by Vanessa Friedman of the New York Times, such departures are “almost unheard-of” unless there’s either conflict with backers or new opportunities on the horizon. While working alongside CEO Shira Suveyke Snyder to identify their successor, both designers have expressed readiness for change.
“The time feels right to make the personal decision to step down from our day-to-day leadership role at the company and hand over the creative reins to someone new,” Hernandez stated, emphasizing their continued commitment to risk-taking and adventure. McCollough echoed these sentiments, describing the decision as “the right step at the right time.”
This isn’t the first time the designers have attracted attention from luxury conglomerates. Their ability to infuse European timeless cool aesthetic into American fashion caught the eye of Valentino Fashion Group, which acquired a stake in 2007. Sources suggest LVMH had previously expressed interest in bringing the designers into their portfolio of luxury brands. As the fashion industry awaits their next move, the question remains: will these talented designers emerge at one of fashion’s most prestigious houses?