A visionary era in high jewelry has come to an end as Francesca Amfitheatrof, artistic director of jewelry and watches at Louis Vuitton, bids farewell to the French house. She concludes a transformative seven-year tenure that redefined the maison’s approach to jewelry and watches. With a keen eye for sculptural elegance and an innate passion for reinvention, she infused Louis Vuitton’s collections with a bold, modern spirit. One that will leave a lasting imprint on the house’s legacy.
Louis Vuitton confirmed her departure in an official statement on Thursday, marking the close of a chapter filled with critically acclaimed creations.
“After a successful collaboration of seven years on the creation of collections of jewelry and high jewelry, Louis Vuitton and Francesca Amfitheatrof have mutually decided to separate ways,” the statement read. “With her remarkable talent and limitless creativity, Amfitheatrof has undoubtedly left an indelible impression on the legacy of jewelry at Louis Vuitton.”
Her departure signals the end of a defining period for the Maison—one where audacity met artistry and tradition embraced innovation. As the brand embarks on a new creative direction, the echoes of Amfitheatrof’s vision will undoubtedly continue to shape its future.
A Visionary’s Impact on Louis Vuitton Jewelry
Amfitheatrof, formerly the jewelry director at Tiffany & Co., joined Louis Vuitton in 2018 at a defining moment for the maison. At the time, her appointment signaled the brand’s intensified commitment to fine jewelry and watches, firmly positioning them as fundamental pillars of its luxury identity.
From that point forward, Louis Vuitton’s high jewelry collections flourished under her visionary leadership, soaring to new heights in ambition, artistry, and global influence. Not only did she introduce breathtaking designs, but she also redefined the brand’s aesthetic, seamlessly weaving heritage with contemporary craftsmanship.
Among her most striking contributions was Le Damier de Louis Vuitton, a fine jewelry collection that reimagined the maison’s signature Damier motif. In her hands, the classic checkerboard pattern was no longer static; instead, it was transformed into fluid, sculptural bracelets, earrings, rings, and pendants—breathing new life into an iconic house code.
Beyond design, Amfitheatrof also revolutionized the way Louis Vuitton engaged with high jewelry collectors. To elevate the experience, she orchestrated exclusive, private galas in destinations as far-flung as Hawaii and Courchevel. These lavish events not only immersed the world’s elite clientele in the maison’s universe but also deepened their connection to its most exceptional creations.
A Departure Marked by Gratitude and New Beginnings
Reflecting on her tenure, Amfitheatrof expressed both pride in her achievements and excitement for the future.
“I am incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to create the jewelry and high jewelry collections for Louis Vuitton,” she shared. “After seven wonderful and intense years, I am so proud of these collections and the legacy I leave behind as I embark on exciting new endeavors.”
For now, Louis Vuitton has announced that its jewelry and high jewelry collections will be designed internally. Meanwhile, the industry watches with anticipation, eager to see where Amfitheatrof’s next creative chapter will unfold.
One thing is certain: as Francesca Amfitheatrof bids farewell to Louis Vuitton, this is not an ending, but rather the beginning of an exciting new evolution for both the maison and the designer herself.
Featured image: Luc Braquet via Harper’s BAZAAR
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