Nicholas Ghesquiére to return to fashion…
It’s about time…!
The fashion genius behind the House of Balenciaga for over 15 years is on the toes of his return to the industry. After stepping down as the head of the Parisian mega house late last year, eventually being proceeded by American design star Alexander Wang, Ghesquiére is now in talks with multiple investors to head his own namesake, reports Alexa of the New York Post. Alexa spills the beans on rumors that Ghesquiére is tossing around deals with major players such as PPR’s (Owners of Balenciaga) biggest rival LVMH (Owners of Louis Vuitton and Givenchy), Diesel, and Li & Fung. All showing that Ghesquiére is one of fashion’s hottest commodities.
Balenciaga (Nicholas Ghesquiére)
Balenciaga (Alexander Wang)
This is all appealing news for the industry, after the utter flop that was Wang’s first go at Balenciaga for Fall 2013 upon which we are sure EVERYONE and we mean EVERYONE – (PPR) are feeling the loss of Ghesquiére’s genius. The biggest take away from this is that these major companies are even considering starting a completely new designer line in this consumer climate and economy is unheard of; however if there is anyone that we believe has the charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent to take the fickle fashion industry by storm all over again it is Mr. Ghesquiére. Not to mention with support from ultra-elite fashion friends like Grace Coddington (Creative Director/VOGUE US) and Karl Lagerfeld (Creative Director/Chanel) giving you 100% support there’s no stopping the soon be take over. We definitely see a VOGUE cover upon collection number 1 and it becoming the next cult following (i.e. Riccardo Tisci). There’s no word on exactly how close Nicholas is to locking in a deal, but it won’t be long. Until then we’ll all wait with bated breath for the grand return.
ARE YOU GUYS EXCITED FOR GHESQUIERE’S RETURN??
#THATFASHIONTHING: In For The Frill
Feel the thrill of the frill this spring, and let your inner girly-girl shine. I always love a little cha cha cha in my wardrobe, but despite the realm of flamenco dancing, and my Easter gown when I was five, ruffles have made a modern-day comeback. The 2013 take is a structured one, offering the perfect balance between maximal and minimal qualities. The new and improved ruffle works for everyone, which has heavy hitters, Gucci, Balenciaga, and Givenchy totally on board.
Bold and bright frills at Gucci Spring ’13
Ruffles gone mod and structured at Balenciaga and Givenchy Spring ’13
Flirty and fun at Chloe Spring ’13
#THATFASHIONTHING: Ever So Clear
This spring, the fashion forecast is clearer than ever. The clear backpack and jelly sandals of the ’90s have walked its way forward to 2013, where it is now a reinvented sophisticated fad with lucite clutches and heels for rain or shine. The trend itself has been reinterpreted so that it’s not just limited to raincoats and umbrellas but ranges from plexiglass bracelets to coats that can be worn on a sunny day. Talk about fashion with function! After Charlotte Olympia’s Pandora craze last year, Balenciaga, Valentino, and Chanel all went with throwing coveted plastics into their collections. When done right, these cool, futuristic pieces can add edge to your fashionable ensemble as a clear favorite.
Alexander Wang’s Balenciaga Debut
Alexander Wang‘s highly anticipated Balenciaga debut met fashion critics with mixed reactions. Plenty had wondered if Wang was up to the challenge of Balenciaga and while the reactions were generally favorable, they weren’t truly ecstatic. He played it safe, but did safe show too little? Many questioned if a designer of mostly wearable, moderate-priced clothes with distinctly American designs can make the Paris grade.
Despite mixed reviews, Anna Wintour of Vogue was generally impressed as she commented, “I’m very proud [of Wang's first collection for Balenciaga.] It was such a restrained show. I thought everything was very wearable, with obviously lots of bows to Balenciaga himself. I thought it was a very smart way to start, by not giving us too many fireworks.”
Wang’s debut collection stuck to classic heaps of black and white with his signature fitted lines and brought out some of Balenciaga’s archived traditional aesthetics. Although restrained, it did seem like Wang was trying to steer away from his own line’s designs with rounder edges. loose backs, and marble motifs that mirrored french chic in the 60s. “Dynamic movement, and pushing the archives forward to create a full wardrobe,” Wang said. “Cristobal’s shapes translated into relatable pieces — shirting, knitwear, coats and pants.”
What do you think of Wang’s debut line with Balenciaga?
#LOVEYOURWORK: ‘COLORSANDPAPER’
Bangkok-based illustrator and textile museum curator, Alisa Saisavetvaree has a Bachelor’s degree in Painting and a Master’s degree in Cultural Management. Alisa’s watercolor illustrations are inspired by her surroundings, travels, and fashion—exploring its long history while also keeping up with the latest runway collections. Check out her work on Instagram @colorsandpaper and www.colorsandpaper.comBalmainDior Pre Fall 2012Thakoon Resort 2013Oscar Spring 2013Balenciaga 1950′s
PPR PURCHASES 51% OF CHRISTOPHER KANE
Runaway design star Christopher Kane joins the esteemed portfolio of Bernard Arnault and former Gucci groups PPR. The Scottish designer has shifted 51% ownership of his namesake label to PPR one of the biggest luxury brand holding companies in the world. – We’re guessing this is why Mr. Kane parted ways with Donatella Versace and Versus back in November when every fashion insider had him pegged to take over Balenciga after Nicolas Ghesquiere parted ways with his 17 year long employer. While we were pretty excited about him potentially going to Balenciaga this excites us even more. Strictly because of the resources he will now be afforded in terms of production, branding, and budget, all this sets him up for a Kane take over.
According to PPR,”London / Paris – 15 January 2013 – PPR and Christopher Kane jointly announced today that they have signed an agreement by which PPR acquires 51 percent of the luxury designer brand “Christopher Kane” in order to develop the business in partnership with its creator, the Scottish designer Christopher Kane. ”
Kane as a designer has come leaps and bounds since his London debut and has quickly become one of the most sought after young designers in the industry on the lips and in the ears of every fashion enthusiasts. Collection after collection Kane struts his skills as a well versed aficionado of the art of fashion design, and we are all to excited to see what fruit manifests from the seed of PPR who’s subsidiaries already include major labels by the likes of Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, the newley named Saint Laurent Paris, and Sergio Rossi among numerous others…
This quote reveals Kane’s trust with French fashion company, ["PPR have an incredible reputation for building some of the very best luxury brands in the world," said Christopher Kane in a statement Tuesday."]
That Fashion Thing: Messy Hair Don’t Care
#THATFASHIONTHING: Messy Hair Don’t Care
This fall messy hair graced campaigns from Proenza Schouler to Balenciaga to Mublerry. It girls like Arizona Muse, Alexa Chung, Mary Kate Olsen, and so forth sported effortless locks. Even tycoon bloggers Sea of Shoes, Frassy, and so much more rocked the messy hair don’t care on global blog posts. Every other fashion link in between has indulged in this sought after look deriving from the hippie esque’s of the 70′s.
Karlie Kloss goes international.
New but famously known Victoria Secret Model Karlie Kloss has been featured on the French magazine “M Le Monde”. Beautifully styled in Mugler, Dolce & Gabanna, Balenciaga and much more. She definitely killed the shoot.
Alexander Wang for Balenciaga
Trailing right on the heels of Nicolas Ghesquire’s 15 year haul of engineered rejuvenation for Balenciaga, 29 year young American designer Alexander Wang is up to fill his shoes. Ghesquire was much lauded for his work as Balenciaga’s creative director but suddenly parted ways early November in hat was a joint decision. However we’re led to believe Ghesquire left on unhappy terms due to feeling “stifled” by PPR in the recent appointment of granting Hedi Slimane complete creative control of fellow Parisian house Saint Laurent Paris.
Alexander Wang on the other hand is expected to broaden Balenciaga’s audience juggling the fast growing Paris fashion house along with his own critically acclaimed eponymous label. It’ll be interesting to see him merge his NY street style downtown look with the archives of Balenciaga’s clean symmetrical aesthetic.
Anjak Deng stuns for Obsession Magazine
In an editorial that stops you dead in your tracks…. Anjak Deng styled by editor Barbara Loison and lensed by Julia Noni sport some of the Fall collections bravest and most daring pieces from brands like Balenciaga, Prada, McQueen, and more.
The contrast, the depth of field, the post…. these 3 really knocked it far and wide out of the park…. Truly brilliant…
