Squelching a flurry of online reports declaring Christopher Kane new creative director, Christopher Kane has issued a denial saying he is not joining the French fashion house.

The blogosphere erupted late Friday evening when French newsweekly Le Nouvel Observateur reported on its Web site that the trendy Scottish designer would join Balenciaga and replace Nicolas Ghesquière, who is to exit the house on Nov. 30.

“Rumors surrounding Christopher Kane’s appointment as creative director of Balenciaga are unfounded,” said a Christopher Kane spokesman.

A spokesman for Balenciaga, owned by luxury and sporting goods group PPR, said it does not comment on rumors.

It is understood the French house has yet to sign on a new designer and is still working through its “shortlist” of potential candidates.