At present, Loewe runs some 120 stores around the world, including 40 boutiques in Japan and 10 in China. While the brand is best known in Europe and Asia, Roussel said America was a priority.

"We want to double the size of the company in the next five years," he added.

Vevers did not return phone calls on Wednesday. Mulberry confirmed his departure in a statement in which the company's chief operating officer, Lisa Montague, said: "I've loved working with Stuart, who is a great designer. He has built a strong team, bringing a wealth of talent to the brand, and the search is now on to find a suitable successor to take Mulberry to the next level."

Vevers' first collection for Mulberry bowed for spring 2006.

In addition to designing Mulberry's core collections of accessories and rtw, he ratcheted up buzz by collaborating with designers including Luella Bartley and Giles Deacon on collections for the British firm. He also has been the life of the Mulberry parties, often taking over as DJ. Earlier this month, Vevers and Deacon DJed in Paris at a party to celebrate the opening of Mulberry's Rue Saint-Honoré store in Paris.

Before joining Mulberry, Vevers designed accessories for companies including Louis Vuitton — he worked closely with Marc Jacobs — Givenchy, Luella, Calvin Klein and Bottega Veneta. He also designed his own signature accessories line, and most recently worked with Henry Holland on a collection of canvas tote bags featuring Holland's cheeky one-liners in DayGlo letters.

In November, Vevers won the prize for accessories designer of the year at the annual British Fashion Awards at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Mulberry's succession plans for Vevers could not be learned.

For LVMH, his appointment reflects the luxury giant's commitment to grow its so-called smaller brands. Roussel earlier this year was given the task of improving the fortunes of LVMH's smaller fashion labels, including Celine, Givenchy, Kenzo and Pucci.