Alexander Wang Takes the Lead for Balenciaga Job
After the shocking news emerged that after 15 years as the creative director, Nicolas Ghesquière would be leaving Balenciaga, the fashion rumor mill went into overdrive hypothesizing who would take over the reins at the storied Spanish-turned-French brand.
When the news was first released, Balenciaga successor possibilities included Alexander Wang, Joseph Altuzarra, Bouchra Jarrar and Christopher Kane as the top most buzzed about contenders.
After Christopher Kane just officially squashed speculation that he would be heading to Balenciaga, Alexander Wang has quickly become the obvious shoe-in to succeed Ghesquière.
New York Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn wrote, "Alexander Wang appears to be the leading candidate to succeed the star designer Nicolas Ghesquière, and an announcement of his appointment could be made as early as next week, a Paris source with knowledge of the discussions said on Wednesday night."
Horyn, who was the one to break the news of Raf Simons being appointed at Dior, has eyes and ears into the industry's inner workings and is thus an incredibly reliable source.
"The choice of a designer like Mr. Wang, who has built a youthful following in New York and elsewhere, certainly suggests a different direction for Balenciaga..And for Mr. Wang, a move to Paris would allow him to expand his career." said Horyn.
The jury is still out, but Wang is definitely taking a strong lead.
