Designer Kerby Jean-Raymond announced that he plans to step down as the global creative director of Reebok, effective March 1. The news comes a week after the brand announced the layoffs of 150 employees ahead of their official acquisition by Authentic Brands Group.

Best known as the founder of groundbreaking fashion label Pyer Moss, Jean-Raymond first joined Reebok in 2017, when he began work on the Pyer Moss and Reebok co-branded collections. His innovative designs helped pave the way for Reebok’s new, fresh brand identity, something they had long struggled to find. He was officially named creative director of the brand in 2020, where he steered the brand towards more creative unity alongside Artistic Marketing Director Jide Osifeso.

“I enjoyed my time with Reebok and wish the company well in all of its future endeavors,” Jean-Raymond said in a statement. The final Reebok by Pyer Moss “experiment” will be released after Jean-Raymond’s departure, in late March.

In his time at Reebok, Jean-Raymond was an instrumental voice for social justice. He helped lead the brand’s Product With Purpose program, a part of their commitment to United Against Racism. Jean-Raymond himself has long used fashion as a form of activism and as a vessel for empowerment. This summer, he became the first Black American designer to have a Haute Couture collection during Paris Couture Week with Pyer Moss.

So, what’s next for Jean-Raymond? Will he take over for the late Virgil Abloh at Louis Vuitton, as many are speculating? Or will he focus solely on Pyer Moss? We will have to wait and see. Either way, we’re excited to see what he does next.