French luxury brand Louis Vuitton has unveiled the second edition of its “Accessories Design Graduates Initiative.” This program partners with 32 prestigious institutions across Europe and the United States to offer final-year students specializing in fashion, design, and art a unique career opportunity.
Through this initiative, the brand is seeking talents to design leather goods, small accessories, trunks, sunglasses, belts, hats, jewelry, travel essentials, and gifting items, providing graduates with the opportunity to join Louis Vuitton’s design teams.
In a statement, the brand commented, “Louis Vuitton seeks the next generation of accessory designers — pioneers with innovative ideas in design, craftsmanship, and sustainability, creators committed to crafting the future of Louis Vuitton accessories with passion and dedication.”
Applications for the program are open until February 2, 2024, via a dedicated website. Partner institutions include some of the world’s top fashion schools, such as Finland’s Aalto University, France’s Institut Français de la Mode, the UK’s Central Saint Martins, and the US’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and Parsons School of Design, among others.
Recipients of the 2024 Accessories Design Graduates Initiative
During the program’s inaugural edition last year, three exceptional designers from around the world were selected.
First, Kao Onishi, who has roots in both Japan and the United States, joined the Women’s Fashion Leather Goods team led by Johnny Coca. Specializing in architectural design, Onishi earned a master’s degree in design for luxury and craftsmanship at ÉCAL (École Cantonale d’Art de Lausanne) in Switzerland.
Next, John Stagaman, an American designer, joined the Men’s and Women’s Leather Goods department under the leadership of Darren Spaziani. Leveraging his expertise in product design, Stagaman has brought fresh perspectives to Louis Vuitton’s leather goods division.
Lastly, French designer Nassim Semlali Yacoubi joined the Trunks and Gifting department. Drawing on his background in product design, Yacoubi skillfully blends contemporary sensibilities with Louis Vuitton’s time-honored craftsmanship.
Louis Vuitton sees accessories not as “mere bags or additions,” but as “essential details that bring individuality and sophistication to simple outfits.” Accessories, the brand believes, can quietly whisper elegance or boldly express personality. This philosophy—an exquisite fusion of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation—is vividly reflected in the initiative.
With this second edition, Louis Vuitton aims to provide even more students with the chance to shine and uncover the next generation of exceptional talent. By combining its signature “savoir-faire” with innovation, this program seeks to create accessories that define a new era. It is not merely a recruitment effort but a bold redefinition of the brand’s mission as a luxury powerhouse—a challenge to shape the future.