Following months of speculation surrounding high profile designer Hedi Slimane, fashion giant Kering has confirmed that the creative director is to stand down from his role at Yves Saint Laurent.
In an announcement issued earlier, Kering boss François-Henri Pinault praised the controversial designer for the transformative effect he has had on the Parisian fashion superforce founded in 1961.
“What Yves Saint Laurent has achieved over the past four years represents a unique chapter in the history of the house,” he said. Adding: “I am very grateful to Hedi Slimane, and the whole Yves Saint Laurent team, for having set the path that the house has successfully embraced, and which will grant longevity to this legendary brand.”
Since his arrival at the house in 2012, Slimane divided opinion among critics who have questioned his ability to safeguard the spirit of Yves Saint Laurent.
A former menswear designer and an accomplished photographer, Slimane shot to fame during a seven year tenure at Dior Homme and has published a number of photography books including a picture diary which he shot on tour with Pete Doherty’s band Babyshambles.
His design aesthetic, a favourite with the likes of Kate Moss, Harry Styles and Arctic Monkey’s frontman Alex Turner, requires elements which are synonymous with rock and roll to be recast in luxury fabrics
Along with skinny jeans and leather biker jackets, Slimane’s Saint Laurent legacy includes sheer slip dresses, leopard print fur coats and jaw dropping price tags.
A decision to drop the word ‘Yves’ from the title of the brand’s ready to wear offerings will long be remembered among Slimane’s most contentious decisions.
The designer also ruffled feathers by sitting high profile fashion editors in the second and third rows of his shows.
But Slimane’s disregard for the opinions of the fashion world has done nothing to deter Saint Laurent’s sales which have boomed under his watch.
Last year, Saint Laurent reported revenues of €974 million, about $1 billion, making it one of a small number of fashion brands to cross the billion dollar mark.
A replacement designer is expected to be announced in due course. Anthony Vaccarello, a protégé of Donatella Versace, are among those tipped to step into Slimane's shoes.
The designer’s exit marks the second split to rock the fashion world this week. Yesterday Storm Models confirmed that it's crowning glory Kate Moss was to leave the agency.
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