Alexander Wang The fashion rumour mill has been churning at full speed this wheel. First, the Givenchy X H&M red-herring  two mornings ago, and then just before midnight on Thursday the New York Times’ Cathy Horyn declared that the prince of downtown NYC urban-chic  Alexander Wang  is the new front-runner to replace Nicolas Ghesquiere at Balenciaga. Horyn’s claims that the official appointment could be solidified as early as the end of this week were initially dismissed, but the fash-pack awoke to news that Nicolas has departed the house after 15 years at the helm and Wang has stepped in to his shoes.
WWD reported that market sources confirmed the appointment and an announcement from the brand is expected next week. The news comes despite recent rumours that Scottish designer Christopher Kane was in line for the role - reports that were quickly denied by Kane’s representatives.
Alexander Wang, who graduated from New York's Parsons School of Design in 2005 and, following an internship at Teen Vogue, began designing for his eponymous label, has become a celebrated figure in edgy urban-chic, redefining the wardrobe of many a downtown woman. Whilst the news has been met with excited clamor among many critics, others industry insiders have been prompt in expressing their unease at the decision.
Vogue’s Emma Elwick-Bates tweeted “@AlexanderWangNY is a great choice for @BALENCIAGA. A keen commercial eye, enterprising spirit and youthful following.” Whilst London menswear designer Christopher Shannon tweeted “I don't want Balenciaga to be more accessible!!! I want it to be INCREDIBLE and INTIMIDATING!!!”