A second major French fashion house is now without its head designer after Balmain announced that its creative director Christophe Decarnin, who was behind its £1,000 ripped jeans, has left the label.

Christian Dior is also without a big name designer in the wake of the John Galliano racism scandal which dominated the catwalk season in February.

Decarnin's departure comes after a period of uncertainty for both label and designer. At Balmain's most recent catwalk show last month rumours began circulating about Decarnin's health when he failed to appear. The design team and stylist Melanie Ward were left to oversee the show, while representatives attributed his absence to tiredness.

In an official statement no reason was given for the designer's exit – the label merely said that it was announcing "the end of its collaboration".