American fashion designer Alexander Wang has been confirmed as the new creative head designer of fashion house Balenciaga!
The news comes after the surprise resignation of Nicolas Ghesquière from Balenciaga, followed by weeks of speculation as to who would take the reins of the renowned high fashion label.
Image: guardian.co.uk
Wang, 28, only launched his own label in 2007, shortly after dropping out of the Parsons School of Design. However in just five years his collection showings has become a favourite of New York Fashion Week and have wide commercial appeal.
His popular designs are renowned for incorporating an ‘off duty model’ style with a heavy inclusion of jeans, t-shirts and sportswear. It’s a great match for Balenciaga’s current celebrity ambassador the grunge chic lover Kristen Stewart.
Industry critics believe Wang is the perfect business mind Balenciaga needs as he certainly knows how to make headlines. Wang even had Liberty Ross walk in his recent spring/summer 2013 New York show in the wake of news that Ross’s husband Rupert Sanders had cheated on her with Kristen Stewart.
Wang moved to New York as an aspiring fashion designer at the tender age of 18 but still frequently visits to see his father in Hong Kong and his mother in Shanghai.
His background and ability to speak Mandarin have helped him understand and reach the desires of the Chinese consumer, which is an extra dynamic he will now be bringing to Balenciaga.
Ghesquière, who led Balenciaga’s global expansion over the past 15 years, finished up his contract with Balenciaga last week.
Woolmark Judging Panel Announced
In other news, the judging panel for the final round of the International Woolmark Prize has been announced!
Victoria Beckham, Donatella Versace, Diane von Furstenberg, Italian Vogue’s Franca Sozzani and Style.com’s Tim Banks are amongst the judges set to decide who will win the renowned award that once helped a young Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent on their fashionable paths to success.
The final takes place on February 16 2013 and Australia’s Dion Lee is in the running for the $100, 000 grand cash prize.
The winning designer with the help of the Woolmark prize money will be able to further grow their business as well as gain representation in selected international retailers including David Jones.
Ashley Hart: Mambo’s newest ‘Goddess’
Ashley Hart joins renowned supermodel sister Jess Hart as the latest Mambo Goddess in their first brand campaign together!
Image: Ashley Hart
LA based Ashley, is the ultimate beach babe who like Miranda Kerr is a big yoga lover and has an unshakable down to earth fun Aussie manner.
Ashley follows in the footsteps of some of Australia’s biggest models who have signed up to the exclusive Mambo Goddess ‘club’ over the years, including Jodhi Meares, Cheyenne Tozzi, Erin McNaught, Sports Illustrated’s Jessica Gomes and of course her sister Victoria’s Secret’s Jessica Hart.
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