New York designer is set to take over from Nicolas Ghesquière at , according to The New York Timess fashion critic Cathy Horyn.
Suggesting that an announcement could be made as early as next week, Horyn says her information has come from a Paris source with knowledge of the discussions. Balenciaga were unavailable for comment this morning.
Since Ghesquière stepped down from Balenciaga two weeks ago after a 15 year reign at the venerable French house, the rumour mill has been in over-drive with speculation about who might replace him, with attention mainly focussing on Scottish designer . Kanes sudden exit from his creative director position at Versus and the news yesterday that PPR, the company that owns Balenciaga, are looking to invest in Kanes eponymous line, did little to dispel those rumours.
However, this latest twist from Cathy Horyn, the first journalist to reveal Raf Simons was going to Dior, will certainly cast some doubt on them.
And if the news is true? Wangs signature luxe sportswear aesthetic would certainly be a different direction for Balenciaga, as Horyn suggests. Would he leave his native New York, his own line and his loyal following to go to a major Paris fashion house? We will have to wait and see.
