Today the news is all about Alexander Wang taking the reins as the new Creative Director of Balenciaga, replacing Nicolas Ghesquière. People are acting like it's the first time something like this has happened. It's not. Often, independent fashion designers who have their own successful brands are recruited by larger fashion houses and labels for their prowess.
It's an offer they can't refuse—after all, why say no to a pile of money and a job that allows you to still do your own line, while furthering your own career at the helm of a prestigious fashion house or storied company? We certainly can't blame Wang for taking the gig, but he's not alone. Check out these 7 Independent Fashion Designers Who Became Creative Directors.