What’s In Store For Balenciaga With Alexander Wang At The Helm?

By Angela Bethea | January 26, 2013

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