Former Mulberry design chief heads to Louis Vuitton

Former Mulberry creative director Johnny Coca has been announced as women's fashion leather goods director for Louis Vuitton.

Coca, whose departure from the British brand was announced in March after a five year tenure, will work alongside Louis Vuitton's creative chief Nicolas Ghesquière on the luxury house's accessories.

The move marks a return to the Paris house for Coca, who, prior to joining Mulberry, had worked with Phoebe Philo at Céline (also owned by LVMH) and under Marc Jacobs when he headed up Louis Vuitton.

"It’s with great pride that I join Nicolas Ghesquière and the Louis Vuitton teams to further develop the women’s handbag collections. For me, the journey now has come full circle, to the place where I was lucky enough to hone my passion first-hand and learn the fundamentals of leather craftsmanship in the ateliers at Asnières. It opens a new chapter in my own creative adventure, in an extraordinary laboratory that blends heritage and modernity," Coca said in a statement.

He begins his new role on 2 June and Ghesquière, who has been with Louis Vuitton since 2013, said:  "I am happy to welcome Johnny at the Maison Louis Vuitton and very pleased that he is joining me on this journey that started a few years ago. The team and I look forward to working with him in the inspiring world of Louis Vuitton."

During his time at Mulberry Coca oversaw the launch of a number of new editions to the Mulberry collections, including the Amberley and Iris. In addition, he introduced eyewear, sneaker collections and relaunched the men’s accessories and jewellery ranges.

His last collection for Mulberry will be SS21 and the company has yet to announce his successor.