From Balenciaga to Louis Vuitton: Nicolas Ghesquière is appointed new creative director

The French designer replaces Marc Jacobs to take over immediately

Nicolas Ghesquière has been appointed the new artistic director of Louis Vuitton's women's collection

Louis Vuitton has confirmed the appointment of Nicolas Ghesquière as its new artistic director of women's collections.

The former Balenciaga designer is set to present his first collection next March.

The announcement puts an end to weeks of speculation following the departure of Marc Jacobs, who is reportedly focusing on the flotation of his eponymous clothing label after 16 years at Louis Vuitton.

The French maison at the centre of the LVMH luxury conglomerate said Ghesquière would bring “a modern creative vision to the house’s women’s collections, building on the values of refinement, savoir faire and extreme quality”.

Ghesquière, known for his rock n' roll aesthetic, rose to fashion stardom at Balenciaga, where he helped revitalise the brand and gain commercial success. The relationship between the two ended unceremoniously after Kering, parent company of the Parisian house, filed a lawsuit against him earlier this year.

Balenciaga is reportedly seeking $9.2 million in damages for breach of confidentiality following a controversial interview where the designer criticised the label's management.