Alexander Wang leaving Balenciaga

[Morphe]

^ You're being too dramatic. :/


Let's start making guesses who's gonna take his place next.

 

[Littleathquakes]

I remember reading Zac Posen waiting by his phone when the Dior spot was up for grabs. Who knows if he'll be doing the same

 

[ad041715]

This is extremely sad. I am at a loss for words.

I hope I'm dreaming...

 

[educo]

I can hear the designers in New York crying, terrified because they won't know what to copy now.

(Throws head back) LMAO!!!!

AS far as a replacement, my bets are on an unknown from the team.

 

[LolaSvelt]

I am actually a little sad now because I thought his Resort and Spring collections were a step in the right direction.

 

[LagerfeldBoy]

To be honest, Spring/Summer 2013 was a fantastic collection, but I can't believe that's the last collection most people are going to remember Nicolas designing.
I literally gasped in front of class when I read this. In the back of my head I'm thinking "this can't be true" because if it weren't for Nicolas and his breathtaking and unique vision at Balenciaga, I probably wouldn't be the same fashion-obsessed kid that I am today. It's those powerful collections in 2005 and 2006 that caused me to want to get involved in fashion. From sending models in robotic looking pants one season to creating sculptural flower-printed pieces another season, Nicolas always kept me at the edge of my seat. The man is a genius, period. If this means he's going to design his own label, then I'm right on board with that.

 

[dajrekshn]

just sad. his collection from early to mid 2000s were what got me interested in fashion in the first place.

first article by Horyn made it seem like they're preparing a separate, his own, line, but the second article makes it seem like the dispute was going for awhile, but just finally decided on recently with some tough words. hope i'm wrong.

 

[ALAUU]

I am actually a little sad now because I thought his Resort and Spring collections were a step in the right direction.

I agree. I felt like the old Nicolas of the late '90s/early '00s was back -- completely edgy and innovative. And now he goes and F's with my head. I would love it if he did his own line. With regards to someone's comment wondering what the point of that would be because he had so much creative freedom at Balenciaga, I think it would be a new challenge for him. When you've taken the most influential fashion house of the 20th century and turned it into the most influential fashion house of the 21st century, I would imagine that it gets to be a bit boring after a while. He's probably looking toward the next thing, the next new chapter, the next obstacle to conquer. Plus his own label would mean his own vision without the constant legacy of another master hanging over his head.

 

[helmut.newton]

They'll need to launch someone anonymous into stardom. It would be illogical and futile to take a 'star', or an established designer, and position them at the helm. You can't really compete with Ghesquiere, he is a master.

Besides, I dont see much of a future for the ready-to-wear, especially without Ghesquiere. Have you seen what they have available to purchase on the online store? Kistchy t-shirts from the 'Egyptofunk' collection amongst other horrible things. The direction they are going in seems to be super commercial and they don't seem to care about protecting the legacy of the brand. I suspect that is why Ghesquiere has decided to leave.

 

[Fabulyss]

I liked the SS2013 collection and the dance inspired resort collection for Balenciaga, but other than that I have not been all that enamored with the recent collections. Ghesquiere definitely made a significant contribution to the house and fashion, although that press release seemed complimentary of all the cogs except him, but he's been there since 1997 so I can see why either or both parties are ready to move on.

Also I am in the skeptical category when it comes to Balenciaga being a big money maker, maybe it holds its own as part of the PPR conglomerate but it seems to be more of an editorial darling than anything, and while Balenciaga is worn on the red carpet and the street, it is by the more adventuresome fashionistas, which may be good for "cool points" but I think that the muckety-mucks want there to be some accessory or scent that appeals to, if not the masses, a significant portion of the luxury buying market, and I am not sure if Balenciaga is adequately fulfilling that brief.

Precisely.

 

[GivenchyHomme]

I'm extremely disappointed, but I'd rather him move on and be happy then stay and be miserable.

 

[La bordélique]

Like everyone else I'm surprised. I hope no one replaces him.

 

[Salvatore]

Shocked and weeping.
SAD DAY IN FASHION.

 

[t-rex]

Bouchra Jarrar would be a good replacement; and I suspect she might be on the list. She worked at Balenciaga and her work recalls Ghesquiere's earlier work there.

 

[KKnardi]

I don't see this as a big deal, someone new will take over and maybe make it even better...

 

[Deleted member 7575]

I don't see this as a big deal, someone new will take over and maybe make it even better...

Considering what's been going on in recent years, this comment makes the most sense.

 

[AustralianaBoy]

I am shocked! It will be interesting to see who will replace him

 

[all_face]

Thank You Nicolas

Photos Firstview.com

 

[Littleathquakes]

Spring/Summer 2008 - my fav collection from him.

 

[MulletProof]

^^ it's weird.. it all sort of goes downhill after the 14th season. Or uphill, depends on how you look at it, I guess.