Karl Lagerfeld: Alex Wang Is A ‘Good Choice In Light Of…Future Projects’

by Hilary George-Parkin | 3:50 pm, December 5th, 2012

If anyone knows the demands of juggling multiple fashion lines, it’s Karl Lagerfeld. (What is he at now — 10? 15?) And so, amidst concern that Alexander Wang might be spreading himself too thin with his newly-announced position as creative director of Balenciaga, it must be nice to know he has the master multitasker in his corner.

Lagerfeld weighed in on the appointment via email to ModMods, the online street style arm of UK paper Metro, giving a vote of confidence to the young designer and hinting at the direction he sees Balenciaga taking in the seasons to come:

“Considering how hard it is to replace a man such as Nicolas Ghesquière, the best solution is to choose someone completely different. As the impression we have had so far is that Mr. Pinault very much wants to ‘expand’ this area of the business, I believe that Alexander Wang is the best man for the job. His fashion is easier, his personality is more open to the world and he has very good contacts. People ‘adore’ Alexander, I too like him very much and I think he is a good choice in light of the fashion house’s future projects. Furthermore, his origins will prove to be very helpful in parts of the world where fashion is most important as well as the luxury industry.”

Now, Lagerfeld seems to be referring here, in only thinly veiled terms, to the Asian market. Wang’s origins are Taiwanese, he speaks fluent Mandarin, and his “very good contacts” likely refer to the family manufacturing relations he maintains in China. All of which just serves to reinforce the widespread reports that Balenciaga’s decision was influenced by a desire to develop a broader commercial base in the area. Stay tuned!

[ModMods via Fashionista]

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