Alexander Wang Rumored to Head Balenciaga

The New York Times reported that Alexander Wang is the leading candidate to succeed the star designer Nicolas Ghesquiere in the latest Balenciaga drama.  An announcement could be made as early as next week.

There has been growing speculation that Wang would be chosen for Balenciaga but and his spokeswoman could not be reached.

After thoroughly modernizing Balenciaga, Ghesquiere announced his departure two weeks ago.  After 15 years at the design house, Ghesquiere wants to spread his wings and go after new challenges.

If Mr. Wang is the choice for Balenciaga, he will bring a different perspective, certainly a strong urban sensibility. Although he likes to experiment on his New York runway, he is perhaps best known for his easy interpretations of street and athletic clothes, like sports jerseys, parkas and, of course, jeans and T-shirts. He sells his line in contemporary sections of stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys, as well as in his own boutique in SoHo. He also has manufacturing connections in China.

Wang, known for his urban sensibility, would bring a youthful vibe to Balenciaga and lead the brand in a new direction.