Here's How Everyone Reacted to Alexander Wang's Appointment at Balenciaga

Last week's rumors and Monday's confirmation that Alexander Wang is the new creative director of Balenciaga have elicited mixed responses in the industry and beyond.

Fashion critics like Cathy Horyn have taken analytical stances to Wang's appointment, commenting that his performance at Balenciaga will largely depend on where PPR executives want to take the company.

"The fact that they chose Mr. Wang, a contemporary-market designer, and not a high-fashion designer, emphatically suggests that they do want something different," Horyn wrote.

Robin Givhan of The Daily Beast agreed, writing last week that "Wang almost certainly would bring a broader commercial appeal to Balenciaga." When the news was confirmed today, she tweeted, "Bon chance to all!"

On Twitter, reactions ranged from elation (more than one account called his hire a "new era") to cautious optimism. A look at how the industry reacted to today's news, below.

Congrats Alexander Wang who will be taking over at Balenciaga. Can't wait to see (and shop!) xo ....via @womensweardaily

— Joe Zee (@mrjoezee) November 30, 2012

So it's Alexander Wang to Balenciaga but whither goes Nicolas the Great Ghesquiere?

— Hilary Alexander (@HilaryAlexander) December 3, 2012

It's official: Alex Wang goes to Balenciaga (tho keeps his own label too). Very new direction for the label!

— Christina Binkley (@BinkleyOnStyle) December 3, 2012

After weeks of speculation, @balenciaga officially appoints Alexander Wang Creative Director of the Balenciaga fashion house. A new era.

— i-D magazine (@iD_magazine) December 3, 2012

Raf Simons at Dior, Hedi Slimane at Saint Laurent Paris, Alexander Wang at Balenciaga. PARIS IS ON FIRE! #PFW #excitingtimes #helluvayear

— Jim Shi (@jimshi809) December 3, 2012

Confirmed: Wang announced at Balenciaga. Happy graduation day!

— bryanboy (@bryanboy) December 3, 2012

I see Wang xBalenciaga like a comedy where the older character is worried about the younger one "winning" but in the end no one loses anyway

— Amy Odell (@amyodell) November 30, 2012

Not sure how it will play out, but a younger American designer taking the helm at Balenciaga is a great moment for the US.

— John Jannuzzi (@johnjannuzzi) November 30, 2012

RT @seoulcialite: Wanglenciaga.

— Elizabeth Holmes (@EHolmesWSJ) November 29, 2012

very excited at all the chatter re @alexanderwangny heading to @balenciaga...can't WAIT for those clothes. WWD: wwd.us/Txo2iU

— Cindi Leive (@cindi_leive) November 30, 2012

Big global step for american fashion !“@nytimesfashion: Alexander Wang Appears as Leading Candidate for Balenciaga: nyti.ms/U3Gyvy

— steven kolb (@stevenkolb) November 29, 2012