The end of Balmania is here. Yesterday, the sad news broke that Christophe Decarnin was parting ways with haute fashion house Balmain with immediate effect. Having spent just over five years at the helm, Decarnin is credited with turning around the fortunes of the house, which has gained a phenomenal following despite the insane price tags – £1,000 for a t-shirt, anyone?! Never one to disappoint, his shows were known for their super sexy, rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic, which won the brand an army of fans including brand ambassador, show stylist and unofficial muse Emmanuelle Alt.
The first sign that something was amiss was during the AW11 show in Paris just a couple of months ago, Decarnin’s conspicuous absence from the show sparked rumours ranging from a rift with Balmain CEO Alain Hivelin to depression and alleged substance abuse. If the latter is true, then this is yet another example of the pressures within the fashion industry. Just over a year after Alexander McQueens untimely death, the pressure of churning out collection after collection is still evident.
I think it’s incredibly sad that Decarnin has left Balmain, it’s the end of an era but his legacy will live on though his beautiful collections.
I'm speechless! I didn't know he was leaving!I love his work, he's actually one of my favorite designers, I loved Balmain just as soon as he stepped in, I even one of my final school projects about Balmain, the beginning, the fall and the reinvention thanks to Decarnin.. this is sad in deed.. and btw, thanks for stopping by my blog.. I guess we can share Jeffrey Campbell, but I get to have him on New Year and you can have him over Christmas haha.. stay cool!