Christophe Decarnin Parts Ways With Balmain

So, remember when the Balmain designer Christophe Decarnin didn't attend his own show and everyone in the press was all like, "O-M-G. He totes went cray-cray."? And then everyone who worked for Balmain was like, "Oh, no, everything is cool -- he's just tired and sick," but were like biting their fingernails and looking all worried and nervous? Well the house has made an official announcement that they will be naming a new creative director next week -- so something had to have been up, yeah?

Decarnin, who had been with the house since 2005 had his fingers of the pulse of cool, and was known for his glamorous, disheveled rock-star aesthetic and jaw-droppingly expensive price tags (sometimes offensively so -- like a ripped-up army green t-shirt that was priced above $1,500). But regardless of price, the label continued to be a favorite amongst editors and customers.

As is the habit in these matters, let the rumors begin as to who will take over the House of Balmain! (Psssss....Cathy Horyn thinks it's Melanie Ward). This has been one traumatic year in fashion, eh? If you're a designer, watch yourself!