Alexander Wang took the helm as creative director at Balenciaga in December 2012, and now the designer is set to leave the house.

The confirmation came this morning as Balenciaga officially confirmed a WWD report published on Wednesday, 29th July, speculating the separation. Rumours of a potential split began circulating earlier this month when the Kering Group released a statement that advised of “discussions between the designer and Balenciaga regarding the renewal of the contract.”

The New York designer will have clocked three years at the Kering Group-owned label when he shows what is said will be his final womenswear collection for SS16 this fall. Since coming on board Wang has been credited with bringing his own sense of minimal, sport-infused luxury to the house’s men’s and womenswear collections – those same elements that have brought his eponymous label widespread success since establishing it in 2005.

Wang’s tenure has been relatively short, highlighted by the 15-year stint his predecessor, Nicolas Ghesquière, experienced before departing to take the helm at Louis Vuitton in 2012. In an industry that moves more quickly than most, here’s an announcement that is already flagging strong reactions and questions as to who will step into the high profile role next.