Fashion Editorial
What’s In Store For Balenciaga With Alexander Wang At The Helm?
Balenciaga announced last month that the young American designer Alexander Wang is taking over the position Nicolas Ghesquiere left in November. Wang had been one of three designers whose names emerged as those who were in the running for the post. The announcement finally came during the first week of December and the world waits to see what is in store for Balenciaga with Wang at the helm.
Wang established his label in 2007 at the very young age of 23. New York Times’ fashion critic Cathy Horyn describes the young designer’s style as one with “a strong urban sensibility.” Known for his “tough aesthetic with sportswear touches,” Wang’s appointment to the Balenciaga house is a fresh start for the label rather than a continuation of what the brand has stood for in decades.
The fashion world took the news of his appointment with caution. Fashion blogger Susie Bubble described the move as “an astute business decision more than anything else.” Grazia’s fashion director, Susannah Frankel opines that Ghesquiere’s style is completely different from Wang’s so there will be definite changes in the direction of Balenciaga’s fashion with the appointment of the San Francisco born designer.
What Wang would likely do for the dusty fashion brand established by Cristobal Balenciaga in 1937 is give it mass appeal. Ghesquiere’s style was elitist, with an appeal that was appreciated by the fashion-elitists. Wang has an appeal for the younger generations of the fashion-hungry consumers. Among his loyal followers are Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, Azealia Banks and Erin Wasson. His brand stands for what the modern, urban girl wants to look like. His appointment is causing quite a stir and his progress at the fashion house is being watched very closely by the fashion world.
What are your thoughts about this change? Are you in favor of having Alexander Wang as Balenciaga’s creative director? Why or why not? Let me know! xx
Chubskulit Rose
January 27, 2013 at 2:36 pm
I think that it’s a good move for him and the company as well. It will collaborate new ideas for the company.
jared's mum
January 27, 2013 at 5:27 pm
i am not really abreast with the goings-on in the fashion world, but if Balenciaga big wigs deem it appropriate to hire Wang, i bet they saw great potential in him that will allow their fashion house to move further and keep up with the changing of the times…
Teresa Martinez
January 28, 2013 at 4:32 am
The fashion world will certainly be most interested in the seasons to come as Wang tries his hand on the Balenciaga brand.
working mama
January 28, 2013 at 9:46 am
i am not familiar with him actually, well maybe it is much better to give a try first his work, when things don’t take effect positively then let him out of the group 🙂
Mommy Liz
January 28, 2013 at 2:48 pm
You know so much about the fashion world. I don’t know any of those people that you mentioned 🙂 Being promoted is a big achievement especially in the fashion world where competition is tough. I believe Alexander Wang deserved it.
jheylo
January 28, 2013 at 8:29 pm
I’m not really into designers and that’s probably why I don’t know any of these people you mentioned. But that’s cool though that they decided to hire Wang to work with them, who knows their succes lies in the hand of Wang 😀