The French designer Nicolas Ghesquière left Balenciaga after being the creative director for that label since 1997. This was quite a surprise for the fashion industry in whole since it is well known thati François-Henri Pinault, the owner of parent company PPR (which owns Balenciaga, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney) has always been a supporter of Nicolas Ghesquière.
Ghesquière has made 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, nipped in suits and vivid colour, signifying looks that were popular until Balenciaga retired in 1968. Ghesquière gave these codes a modern touch. The sales were up and he received praises from the fashion critics.
François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and Chief Executive of PPR, said: “Cristóbal Balenciaga was a master, a genius whose avant-garde vision dictated fashion’s greatest trends and inspired generations of designers. With an incomparable creative talent, Nicolas has brought to Balenciaga an artistic contribution essential to the unique influence of the house”. (ppr.com)
We are quite interested to see what will be Ghesquière’s next move, maybe his own label?
Until further news here are some designs from the last Balenciaga show for summer 2013 collection which was widely applauded by critics and buyers.
Images: IMAXtree
