Louis Vuitton took first place on the list of  ’The World’s Ten Most Powerful Luxury Brands,’ at an estimated brand value of $24.312 billion.  This must be great news to Marc Jacobs, the creative director at the French label.  Hermes, Gucci, Chanel and Cartier rounded out the top five.  Below is the complete list, see where your favorite designer landed.

1. Louis Vuitton – $24.312 billion

2. Hermès – $11.917 billion

3. Gucci – $7.449 billion

4. Chanel – $6.823 billion

5. Cartier – $5.327 billion

6. Rolex – $5.269 billion

7. Hennessy – $4.997 billion

8. Moët & Chandon – $4.570 billion

9. Fendi – $3.422 billion

10. Burberry – Unranked

The World’s Ten Most Powerful Luxury Brands: 2011 Edition [Fashionista]

Hermes’ runway show for Spring 2011 was a show-stopper in the City of Lights.  Jean Paul Gaultier turned out a memorable collection and show that we will not soon forget long after his successor, Christophe Lemaire takes the reigns next season.  It was a show within a show.  He gave us horses and spectacular pieces.  The collection was accessory laden, from hats, gloves to the legendary Birkin bag in various shapes.  Even whips made their way down the runway.  This divine collection was styled in the form of Western wear, but no cowgirl has ever been this refined.  Leather and suede dominated the collection, think leather shorts, hats and bustiers.  I may have seen a vest with a faux holster.  It had all the drama of a Broadway show, much like the capes that hung breezily behind the models in the most dramatic fashion as they came down the runway.  We were given an orange, green, black, tan and bourbon color palette; it was rich and well suited for this iconic collection.  Gaultier gets kudos for delivering a show and a collection that were equally exciting.   This was his last show at Hermes, and he saved the best for last.

Jean Paul Gaultier will leave Hermes after seven years at the fashion house.  The designer took the reins from Martin Margiela in 2003 to much acclaim.  Christophe Lemaire will be Gaultier’s replacement, and he is currently the artistic director of womenswear at the French label.  Lemaire will also leave his post at Lacoste, where he is creative director, in September after his Spring 2011 show.  Gaultier’s final collection at Hermes will be for Spring 2011.  The Fall 2011 season will usher-in the new creative director at the helm.  Hermes is not severing all ties, the company still retains a 45 percent stake in Jean Paul Gaultier’s namesake label.  JPG will continue as creative director at his own label for both ready-to-wear and couture.

Seventeen year old Karlie Kloss is on top of the modeling world.  She currently has a Dior and Hermes campaign, and as of the Christmas break, she now has her driver’s license.  Who says Santa does not exist?  If that were not enough, Karlie is also on the February cover of  Italian Vogue.  It’s safe to say that she is living a model’s dream.  Her Dior campaign is sultry with a hint of old hollywood, and the Hermes ad is soft and sweet.  The ads are total opposites of the other, but each showcases the model’s range.  Both ads explain why she is a model in demand, and why she has made our Rollcall list this week. 

Modelinia Exclusive: Karlie Kloss’ New Wheels! [Modelinia]

Karlie Kloss ‘Falls’ on the Cover of February’s Italian Vogue [The Cut]