Alexander Wang is reportedly exiting Balenciaga after just a few years at the helm as creative director.
According to a report by FN sister publication WWD, Balenciaga’s parent company Kering won’t be renewing the designer’s contract. Wang’s upcoming spring 2016 collection, to be shown during Paris Fashion Week, will be his last.
Wang has been a widely celebrated designer both stateside and abroad for his own sometimes Goth, always modern approach to fashion. In 2012, he was brought on to replace longtime Balenciaga creative leader Nicolas Ghesquière, who departed for Louis Vuitton.
A spokeswoman for Kering told FN that “the only comment we make is that there are discussions underway between Alexander Wang and Balenciaga/Kering regarding the renewal of his contract.”
FN has also reached out to Alexander Wang for comment.
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In recent years, Kering has been shaking up many of its brands, most recently Gucci, where lesser-known designer Alessandro Michele was selected to lead the creative revival of the house after Frida Giannini left this spring. It’s a move that could indicate what’s ahead for Balenciaga.
It was also a change that highlighted consumers were ready for a shakeup: revenue for Gucci was up in the last earnings report, though overall results for Kering were sluggish. Because of the strengthening sales, Kering executives could have the confidence to make more changes at its other brands.
