Nicolas Ghesquière to leave Balenciaga: His Top 5 Design Moments - Fashion - Stylist Magazine

Today (5 November) it was announced that designer Nicolas Ghesquière will leave his post as creative director of French fashion label Balenciaga on November 30.

The iconic couture house, founded in 1914 by Spaniard Cristobel Balenciaga, was transformed when Nicolas Ghesquière took the reigns in 1997, aged just 25. His innovative designs, from high-collared jackets to slim-line trousers and the Lariat bag attracted a legion of famous fans, including Chloe Sevigny who once admitted “I do worship Balenciaga pants” in an interview.

There's no word as yet as to where Nicholas is headed next - or who will be replacing him at Balenciaga, but in a statement from the house it was confirmed the decision was a joint one, and François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and Chief Executive of PPR, said that "Nicolas has brought to Balenciaga an artistic contribution essential to the unique influence of the house”.

In honour of Ghesquière's remarkable career, we've rounded up some of the most iconic catwalk creations from his time at Balenciaga.

Picture credits: Rex Features and Getty Images