Balmain parted ways with creative director Christophe Decarnin two weeks ago and are still yet to announce his replacement.

Decarnin joined Balmain in 2005 as a designer and was promoted to creative director of women’s ready-to-wear in 2007. However his absence from the AW11 show in Paris last month cited speculation that he was suffering from depression and that his time at Balmain was coming to an end. It has been reported that he had been stressed for quite some time and in fact was absent from Balmain for several weeks leading up to the show.

Christophe’s influence at Balmain meant the waning fashion house, founded in 1945, was swiftly brought back from the edge of bankruptcy thanks to his bold military inspired designs and most notably the iconic beaded mini dresses that sent the fashion press into a veritable frenzy in 08/09. Responsible for some of the most recognisable designs of the last five years, it will certainly be interesting to see who Balmain choose to fill his fashion forward boots.

Another Paris fashion house still waiting to choose a new creative director is Christian Dior after Galliano’s hasty departure amidst accusations of anti-semitism. However unlike Balmain, Dior has stated that they are in no hurry to find a replacement.