July 31, 2015

By Marcellous L. Jones

Images Courtesy of Balenciaga

Paris, France – After quite a bit of media postulating, it is now confirmed that Alexander Wang and Balenciaga are parting ways. In a joint press release issued this morning by the house of Balenciaga and its owner, the KERING Group, the news was announced and puts an end to all speculation. Wang will present his last work — the Spring/Summer 2016 Collection — for the legendary house on October 2, 2015 during the Paris ready-to-wear fashion week calendar. 

ALEXANDER WANG

Known for his penchant for his “irreverent” and “modern vision” on fashion design, the American designer joined the house in 2012.  He succeeded Nicolas Ghesquière at its helm as Artistic Director.

Wang, who will now focus on his own eponymously named brand said of his time at Balenciaga: “It’s been an incredible experience to work with a couture house in Paris. I am honored to have had the opportunity to work for this historical maison. I would like to thank the brilliant team at Balenciaga for their collaboration and for what we have accomplished together, and I am looking forward to taking my own brand to its next level of growth.”

Balenciaga President & Chief Executive Officer Isabelle Guichot commented: “We are all at Balenciaga extremely grateful to Alexander for his important contribution to the style and history of this iconic house. The dynamic growth of the brand over the last years bears testimony to his successful creative work.”

And Kering Chairman & Chief Executive Officer François-Henri Pinault added: “I join Isabelle Guichot and the Balenciaga house in heartfully thanking Alexander for his dedication and unique artistic contribution to the building of Balenciaga in a more globally recognized house. I personally wish him all the best.”

The search is now on for a worthy successor to lead the house through the next chapters of its storied history.