Alexander Wang leaving Balenciaga

[Valentine27]

I can't believe this news. Who will replace him? I'm cringing thinking about it

 

[valliaddict]

I can't believe this . The Balenciaga F/W 2008 show changed my life!!

 

[Thefrenchy]

I was really shocked when I found out about the news earlier today. He did a wonderful job for the house of Balenciaga by putting them back in the top league and creating a very distinct look while respecting the brand's heritage. Ghesquiere created many of the best collections of the 00s and early 010s. He'll be greatly missed and I wish him luck in his new venture.

Good luck to whoever will be named next. I can't even think about someone who could possibly take over...

Gosh, this year has been craaaazy for the fashion industry. I can only hope we get a nice and quiet year of 2013

 

[Fabulyss]

It always boils down to one thing and one thing only: money.

I'm going to guess Balenciaga was rolling in it the decade before the recession, because of both a prosperous economy and the mass popularity of their motorcycle purse. I don't think they're as successful now. Particularly since Celine has come on to the seen again and has taken a big chunk of the accessory/bag market.

On a side note, when I went to test out Florabotanica it was hidden in a back corner of Neiman Marcus with very little marketing; I had to hunt around for it.

 

[thiago:)]

Like 99% of people in here, I'm really shocked. Paris has definitely lost one of its highlights for me I don't have words to describe how much I adore his pre-2007 collections for the House. He'll be truly missed.

 

[Egoiste]

somebody plan my funeral, cuz i just die !!!!! Now i really know, the end of world beggins now, with this shoking news !!

 

[moss trey]

The fashion world has indeed been in upsets all year but in my opinion this takes the cake. The only good thing that could come from this is him going to create his own label which I deeply hope he does. Good luck to whomever has to pick up after Ghesquiere at Balenciaga. He left some big shoes to fill.

 

[StoneSkipper]

I'm blindsided right now. Holy hell. It goes without saying that Ghesquiere turned the Balenciaga brand into what it is now. I'm always gonna be supportive of change - change is good - but it is undobtedly sad to hear that. I hope Ghesquiere keeps expanding his legacy. Despite recent slips, his talent should not go wasted.

Now, I wonder who will substitute him as creative director? I believe it will be one of the interns, but if we're talking about my dream world where everything comes true, I would love to see Serkan Sarier for Balenciaga. His experience with prints and cuts should make him a strong contender. But hey.

 

[Chanelcouture09]

It always boils down to one thing and one thing only: money.

I'm going to guess Balenciaga was rolling in it the decade before the recession, because of both a prosperous economy and the mass popularity of their motorcycle purse. I don't think they're as successful now. Particularly since Celine has come on to the seen again and has taken a big chunk of the accessory/bag market.

On a side note, when I went to test out Florabotanica it was hidden in a back corner of Neiman Marcus with very little marketing; I had to hunt around for it.

I think it's even more successful now with an increasing level of stockists, most of which sell out of their Balenciaga stock incredibly quickly, their popularity continues to grow just as their number of stores has continued to grow this year.

He will be greatly missed and I don't envy the person who has to take the challenge of taking creative control over the brand, comparisons will be heavily made and I doubt they will be able to meet the exceptional standards Nicolas has executed at the house, some hit and miss at present but his previous collections will continue to outshine the bad.

I'm excited to see how this will play out, but I think whatever PPR do they need to keep their mouth shut until they have secured the new creative director - and quickly, the whole Dior saga was tiresome, so I think they aught to learn from LVMH's sham.

 

[lepetitcouturier]

This is shocking. I was honestly never expecting this. I'm not a massive fan of Ghesquiere tbh, but still. I'm extremely shocked by this.

 

[lepetitcouturier]

Although I have to admit, the one good thing about this is that Kristen Stewart is probably not going to be the spokesperson much longer.

 

[ALAUU]

^ Or maybe he left because he couldn't stand working with her

 

[lepetitcouturier]

^ Or maybe he left because he couldn't stand working with her

He probably got fired for bringing her on as the spokesperson in the first place

 

[pen6693]

Very shocking news. The collections were magnificent. The clothes, the shoes, accessories! What's to become of Balenicaga?

 

[Melancholybaby]

Eventhough I'm both sad (in a nostalgic way) and shocked, I can't say I'm devastated. His last few collections have been less than stellar and I think that if he wants to venture out on his own, then so be it. A lot of major changes have happened in the past two years, and while change is good, I can't say I'm thrilled with anything in Paris. I really hope they'll pick a yound, fresh-minded CR again like they did 15 years ago, and not the same old same old.

 

[IsabelMarantBoy]

Wow, november 30th? worst birthday present ever He was one of the main reasons I got into fashion, and has always been one of the most creative minds out there, season to season. I can't imagine anyone replacing him unless it's someone who's worked closely with him, and I fear if that happens it will become a situation not unlike what happened with Alexander McQueen. The look will still be there somewhat, but it will be a watered down commercial approach to what the house once was in it's heyday.

I could see him starting his own line, so I guess it's only a matter of time before we move on to buying 'Nicholas Ghesquire'

 

[fee de foret]

i blame kirsten stewart

 

[saann]

strangely I don't feel particularly sad about this. when Raf left Jil Sander it was like the world is exploding, but this just feels different. I'd suspect it was his sole decision to leave, maybe because of the stress that came with the job? it will be very interesting to see who they pick to succeed him, I'm already anxious to know

I feel the same.. not necessarily the Jil Sander part but the rest. Balenciaga will be fine, it has enough of a carved out identity to survive. Ghesquiere did a lot to attribute to that identity but it did get repetitive towards the end..

I hope he goes solo, I want to see him without brand limitations.. I think it could turn out pretty amazing

 

[mackos]

Paris has definitely lost one of its highlights for me

Same here, Balenciaga has always been one of my top shows of each season.

Really shocked by this one, I'll miss Nicolas so much. Hope he'll be getting something else, a namesake line perhaps...

 

[Label Basher]

He will be greatly missed and I don't envy the person who has to take the challenge of taking creative control over the brand

Agree. This has to be the most interesting exit since Tom Ford left the company. I sincerely hope that this is a positive move for him.