The celebrated accessories designer exits the house amid thanks from both sides, leaving his next move undisclosed.
Johnny Coca has stepped away from Louis Vuitton after five-and-a-half years leading women’s fashion leather goods and accessories, closing a tenure defined by craftsmanship, structural clarity, and a steady hand within one of the world’s most scrutinized categories. His departure marks a return to independent exploration for a designer long regarded as one of the industry’s most incisive creators of modern handbags. Vuitton acknowledged his contributions, noting that he “brought his expertise and creativity to the collections and successfully launched the Louis Vuitton Accessories Design Graduates Initiative,” while Coca expressed gratitude for the collaboration, adding, “Together, we honored the heritage of the house and carried forward a strong creative vision.”
Coca’s career spans some of luxury’s most influential houses. Before rejoining Vuitton in 2020—where he had first worked from 1996 to 2000—he shaped the trajectory of Mulberry, broadening its offering across ready-to-wear, footwear, and jewelry while introducing new bag lines that recalibrated the brand’s identity. His earlier tenure at Céline under Phoebe Philo cemented his reputation for quiet power and precision, qualities that continued to define his work within the Vuitton studio led by Nicolas Ghesquière. With his next step still unannounced, Coca departs on a note of characteristic poise: “Now it is time for me to continue on my own path with the same passion and commitment. I will always hold this chapter of my career in high regard.”