Following reports that former Balmain creative director Christophe Decarnin was suffering from mental illness, the brand finally announced earlier this month that the designer was out of the Parisian fashion house.

And although his replacement is expected to be announced in the next few days, reports are suggesting the French label will take on an unknown designer to fill Christophe’s boots.

“They’re going to choose someone unknown,” a source tells Elle UK. “Christophe was an unknown when he came to Balmain, and the owners want to support lesser-known design talent.”

So it looks like the rumours surrounding stylist Melanie Ward (who started working at the label after Emmanuelle Alt, Christophe’s right hand woman, left to take the reigns at Vogue Paris), being the favourite to take the helm at Balmain are out of the question.

Or are they? There’s too much hearsay to confirm any official news just yet, but rest assured we’ll keep you posted when an official announcement is made.