Christophe Decarnin to leave Balmain
After his mysterious no-show at the Balmain autumn/winter 2011 catwalk presentation in Paris last month, and rumours of rehab, it’s now been revealed that Christophe Decarnin will leave his post as creative director of the label.
It’s understood that the French fashion house will end its five-year contract with the 46-year-old designer following a clash between Decarnin and Balmain’s CEO Alain Hivelin over the future direction of the company. Balmain is expected to formally announce the separation later today, according to WWD.
Decarnin rejuvenated the French fashion house since taking over in 2005, making it synonymous with rock ‘n’ roll-tinged glamour and ultra-expensive clothes - think £15,000 for a cocktail dress and £1,000 for a T-shirt - that didn’t deter shoppers from joining long waiting lists to snap up items, which the press dubbed ‘Balmainia’.
Drummer boy jackets, glossy embellished cocktail dresses and ripped skinny jeans all became the Balmain hallmark under Decarnin’s direction and celebrity fans include Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham, Lou Doillon and Rihanna, as well as the cream of the French magazine industry, such as ex-Paris Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld and her successor Emmanuelle Alt.
It is understood that Balmain will reveal Decarnin’s replacement, believed to be somebody already working in-house at the label, today.
Watch this space.
