Spring 2013: Ghesquiere’s most recent collection was both one of his most critically acclaimed and referential to the heritage brand’s namesake. While none of us thought it would be his last, he definitely ended on a high note. As Suzy Menkes began in her International Herald Tribune review,

“If Nicolas Ghesquière were ever to seek his independence — emancipation from the world of the big brands — and tell his own story, what would be his legacy at Balenciaga? Judging from Thursday’s show alone: stellar.”

Um, did she know something we didn’t?