Balenciaga Denies New Designer Rumors, Updates Coming Soon

Nicolas Ghesquiere & Christopher Kane. Images: Fashionists, Hollywood Reporter

UPDATE: Sorry folks, Christopher Kane has not been confirmed as the new creative director at Balenciaga. The brand has not made a selection yet but will announce their choice in the next two or three weeks, according to Elle.fr. That said, it will still probably be Kane, just no official word yet. (The Cut)

The fashion world was decently shocked when celebrated designer Nicolas Ghesquière seemed to suddenly just up and leave his post at Balenciaga, the Spanish label he helped revive. Rumors of hurt feelings and perceived offenses circulated — most prevalently, some suggested that Ghesquière was upset over the freedom Yves Saint Laurent gave newly-minted Hedi Slimane, latitude which the more seasoned Ghesquière doesn't have. 

Yet, it appears that — lo and behold — the search for a successor had ended, and The Cut reported that Christopher Kane will be joining the house. The Cut cites reputable French publication Nouvel Observateur for the news, even though there has been no official confirmation from Balenciaga either way. Even more importantly, what will Donatella Versace think? Does this mean the end of her and Kane's younger, more punk venture, Versus? 

Nicolas Ghesquiere officially leaves his Balenciaga post of fifteen years on November 30, 2012.

Read more updates on this story at Refinery 29.