Balenciaga, Goodbye

What is the fashion world coming to? Balenciaga is said to be in advanced negotiations with a successor to its star designer Nicolas Ghesquiere, 41, whose surprise departure has rocked the fashion industry. A shortlist of candidates already exists, as the label's designer of 15 years would leave on 30 November, promising that this transition will not be the drawn-out one like the recent drama at Dior. Dior took a year to name Raf Simons as successor to its disgraced designer John Galliano.

Ghesquiere's parting with Balenciaga was unexpected to say the least. The company’s announcement said that the parting was “a joint decision”. Ghesquiere is one of the darlings of fashion, and unarguably one of fashion's biggest talents whose collections for Balenciaga received critical raves. He has designed for the label since 1997, reviving the label and making Balenciaga relevant for a new generation.

Originally founded in 1937 by Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga, the house was known for a sculptural use of volume, sharp suits and colour, until Balenciaga retired in 1968. Ghesquière gave these codes a modern touch and was one of the first to dust off an iconic house and introduce a whole new generation of fans to the brand.