Interesting fact: Demna Gvasalia was once rejected for an internship at Balenciaga

Later, he became the head of the brand

Designer Demna Gvasalia recalled receiving an email from Balenciaga rejecting his application for an internship. He shared this story in an interview with Vogue.

It happened right after he graduated from the Antwerp Academy in 2007.

«I had an interview for an internship in the menswear department and, fortunately, I was rejected. Because my professional path would have turned out differently if I had been accepted,» Demna said in his recent Vogue interview.

The conversation was tied to a retrospective exhibition marking Demna’s ten years at Balenciaga. It can be seen until July 9 at the Kering headquarters in Paris.

The exhibition opens with the very letter of rejection Demna once received:

«Dear Demna, Thank you for your interest in the menswear design internship at Balenciaga. We have reviewed your application carefully and are not considering your candidacy at this time. Your résumé will remain in our records should new opportunities arise. We wish you all the best.»

«I think these ten years have truly been a journey into how we can push boundaries — how we perceive fashion differently, especially in the context of luxury. Ten years of mental work. Every piece had a concept. Almost everything I created was meant to impress myself. Maybe that’s important, because I don’t intend to do the same in my next chapter,» Gvasalia reflected.

As a reminder, in March it was announced that Gvasalia has been appointed the new creative director of Gucci. He will start working at the fashion house after presenting his final collection for Balenciaga, a brand he has led for the past ten years.

«Demna will bring something exceptional to Gucci. His way of defining fashion today is quite unique, and that’s exactly what Gucci deserves and needs for the future,» said Gucci CEO Jean-François Palus.

Photo: Malick Bodian, Balenciaga