After a week of widespread speculation, Balenciaga confirmed this morning that Alexander Wang’s contract will not be renewed beyond its initial term — a “joint decision” reached by the designer and house. Balenciaga’s spring/summer 16 show, which will be staged on October 2 during Paris Fashion Week, will be the 31-year-old designer’s final collection at the helm of the storied French brand.
Wang presented his first Balenciaga collection in February 2013, following Nicolas Ghesquière’s contested departure after a 15-year-long tenure as creative director. Although today’s statement did not explicitly outline reasoning behind the decision, Wang’s own statement indicated he’s shifting focus back to his New York-based brand. “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 am looking forward to taking my own brand to its next level of growth.” Earlier this year, Kris Van Assche announced a different strategy, pausing production of his eponymous line to focus on his role as Dior Homme creative director.
No indications have been made as to who will replace Wang, although given Alessandro Michele’s early success at Gucci — boosting the brand’s sales for the first time in two years — it’s been widely suggested that Balenciaga might be on the lookout for an unknown of its own.
READ our interview with Alexander Wang from our 35th Birthday Issue
Credits
Text Emily Manning
Photography Daniel Jackson
Styling Alastair McKimm