HEDI SLIMANE DEPARTS AS CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF SAINT LAURENT

Hedi Slimane has left design house Yves Saint Laurent, where he was creative and image director for nearly four years. The announcement came in the form of a joint statement by Yves Saint Laurent and Kering, its parent company. No successor was immediately named.

Prior to joining YSL, Slimane had been the menswear designer at Dior Homme from 2000 to 2007, where he rocked the fashion world with his super-slim suits. He also made numerous connections in the worlds of entertainment, and dressed such superstars as Madonna and Mick Jagger.

After joining YSL, Slimane moved the house’s design studio to Los Angeles, and presented its most recent show at LA’s famed concert house The Palladium. Slimane also recently hired Dylan Lee, the son of rock legend Tommy Lee and actress Pamela Anderson, to be the face of the brand.

In the statement announcing his departure, Francesca Bellettini, President and CEO of Yves Saint Laurent, said: “I would like to thank Hedi Slimane very much for his vision in reforming such an iconic House as Yves Saint Laurent. The direction that has been taken over the last four years represents an incredible foundation for the Brand to build on for its continuous success.”

Added François-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of Kering: “What Yves Saint Laurent has achieved over the past four years represents a unique chapter in the history of the House. 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.”