May 15, 2026 |
Marc Jacobs is making a major move. In an announcement made this morning, LVMH confirmed that it had reached a definitive agreement to sell the American brand to WHP Global, joining Vera Wang, Rag & Bone and G-Star.
While Jacobs himself – as both founder and designer – will maintain his place as creative director, once the deal closes WHP will own the brand with G-III Apparel Group under a separate arrangement. Under the deal, the brand management company will acquire Marc Jacobs from LVMH and form a 50/50 joint venture with G-III Apparel Group to hold the brand. G-III will then acquire Marc Jacobs’ global operating business from the venture and enter a long-term licensing agreement, while WHP oversees licensing. The arrangement gives G-III a 50 percent stake in Marc Jacobs and strengthens CEO Morris Goldfarb’s push into designer fashion. G-III already owns Donna Karan, DKNY and Karl Lagerfeld.
While financial terms were not disclosed, G-III will invest around $500 million, funded through cash reserves and its revolving credit facility.
“I am forever grateful to Bernard Arnault for his support, belief and trust in me over the last 30 years,” Jacobs said in a statement. “It has been an honor and privilege to work alongside the Arnault family and LVMH. I remain committed in my role as creative director of Marc Jacobs International and look forward to this bright new chapter.”
Yehuda Shmidman, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of WHP Global said, “LVMH has been an exceptional steward of the Marc Jacobs brand over the past three decades. Together with Marc Jacobs, G-III and the team, we look forward to expanding the brand’s global reach and building on its strong legacy for years to come.”
The sale is slated to be finalised in the third quarter of 2026.
Photography by Jacky Marshall.
