Here’s what he said in an email to the French website ModMods (a street-style offshoot of Metro magazine, which he guest-edited earlier this year) before jetting off to Scotland for the Chanel Metiers d’Art show tonight…

“Considering how hard it is to replace a man such as Nicolas Ghesquière, the best solution is to choose someone completely different. As the impression we have had so far is that Mr. Pinault very much wants to ‘expand’ this area of the business, I believe that Alexander Wang is the best man for the job. His fashion is easier, his personality is more open to the world and he has very good contacts. People ‘adore’ Alexander, I too like him very much and I think he is a good choice in light of the fashion house’s future projects. Furthermore, his origins will prove to be very helpful in parts of the world where fashion is most important as well as the luxury industry.”

Seems like Nicolas Ghesquière would also have “very good contacts.” Still, sounds like a ringing endorsement to us—not shabby at all.