Alexander Wang

It’s official: Alexander Wang is the new creative director of Balenciaga! PPR, the company that owns the label, confirmed the appointment today after a week of speculation. ”I am deeply honored to embark on this new role for a brand and house that I have such great admiration and respect for,” says the 28-year-old designer, who as creative director, will be responsible for the ready-to-wear collections for both men and women, accessories, and the brand’s image, in addition to leading his own eponymous label. Wang takes the place of Nicolas Ghesquière, who left the company on Friday after 15 years, and follows in the footsteps of superstars like Oscar de la Renta, Emanuel Ungaro, and Hubert de Givenchy, who all led the house during their careers. Surely, this will be one of the most anticipated debuts of 2013. InStyle managing editor Ariel Foxman says: ”I cannot wait to see how Wang will bring his uniquely contemporary vision to such a lustrous, storied, and innovative fashion house.” Let the countdown to Wang’s first runway show for Balenciaga begin!

Plus, see stars who love Wang!

MORE:
• Runway Looks We Love: Alexander Wang
• Wang’s Glow-in-the-Dark Runway Finale
• Gisele Walks Wang

After a week of rumors circling the fashion world that New York designer Alexander Wang would take exiting creative director Nicolas Ghesquière’s place at Balenciaga, the news is confirmed! The label is expected to make the announcement next week, as Ghesquière’s official departure from the Parisian house is today. The 28-year-old designer’s appointment will prove to be interesting for Balenciaga—Wang’s downtown, punk rock-inspired designs have made him a favorite of celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Miranda Kerr, and Rihanna, as well as a must-have for women around the world. ”Fashion shouldn’t be about what is appropriate,” he told InStyle‘s September 2011 issue. “Getting dressed is much more fun if it’s about satisfying you.” We can’t wait to see what he brings to the label!

Plus, see stars who love Wang!

MORE:
• Runway Looks We Love: Alexander Wang
• Wang’s Glow-in-the-Dark Runway Finale
• Gisele Walks Wang

Alexander Wang promised a “surprise ending” to his collection and we’d say glow-in-the-dark dresses qualify! For his grand finale, the designer cut the lights on nine ice-blond models, revealing that their seemingly-ivory outfits glowed with pastel hues. Our reporter snapped a shot of one of the futuristic-looking sheathes, which, we must say, looked positively party-ready. As the label tweeted, “Spring 2013: GLOW!”

See more in our Fashion Week Cheat Sheet!

MORE:
• Runway Looks We Love: Alexander Wang
• NYFW: Behind the Scenes
• Runway Nail Art

Designer darling, rapper, model: Harlem native Azealia Banks does it all! And the fashion industry loves her. This fall, the 21-year-old stars in Alexander Wang’s T by Alexander Wang campaign, modeling the It Designer’s comfy basics. And today, MAC announced the rapper signed on to release her own lipstick , a limited-edition deep plum shade named Yung Rapunxel, after Banks’s alter-ego. The lipstick will be available starting September 5th for $15 on maccosmetics.com, and in New York City MAC stores from September 6th through 20th. In the meantime, click through the gallery to learn more fun facts about Azealia Banks—we think you’ll be seeing her around a lot more.

MORE:
•  Alexander Wang at NY Fashion Week
•  Nicki Minaj To Judge American Idol
•  Nicki Minaj’s New Perfume