Nicolas Ghesquière, one of the decades most acclaimed designers, has decided to leave his post at Balenciaga after 15 years.
Both Balenciaga and Ghesquière, who has acted as creative director for the French fashion house since 1997, confirmed that they made “a joint decision to end their working relationship” effective Nov 30 in a company announcement Monday morning (Nov 5).
“Nicolas has been one of the most exciting and inspiring designers to watch in the last decade, he’s turned Balenciaga into a brand that is both admired by the fashion industry and which has made a real impact on the clothes we wear” British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman has said of Ghesquière who is often credited for reviving the brand, scoring large with editors and bringing huge levels of commercial and industry acclaim to the brand.
What’s next for Balenciaga and Ghesquière is still unknown. While Balenciaga’s CEO Isabelle Guichot has not yet shared any names, she has confirmed that she has “a shortlist” of potential candidates to succeed creative director Nicolas Ghesquiere.
As for Ghesquière, with speculation that he may launch a brand under his own name or take up the helm at a luxury rival label, his next move continues to remain a mystery.
