Fashion News: Hedi Slimane Exiting Saint Laurent? Anthony Vaccarello Could Replace Him

For the second week in a row, the “Hedi Slimane is leaving Saint Laurent” rumors are back in full effect.

Last week, donbleek.com reported that news broke in Paris (traveling to the states), saying that Saint Laurent‘s creative director Hedi Slimane “departed from the house over the holiday due to creative differences.” The brand’s U.S. PR team confirmed that Slimane has not left the label (see it here).

Earlier today (Paris time), WWD reported that “Slime  may be poised to make his second exit from Yves Saint Laurent“.

The publications said, according to their sources, “the designer has so far failed to reach an agreement on the renewal of his initial contract with the Kering-owed fashion house and is preparing to part ways with a brand he revved up with his rock ‘n’ roll-inspired fashions and a top-to-bottom reform of the storied house.”

WWD also mentioned that “Saint Laurent is said to have identified a frontrunner to succeed Slimane and has held extensive talks with Anthony Vaccarello.”

The Belgain designer (Vaccarello) was making waves in Paris with his eponymous label before we reported that Donatella Versace has named him creative director of Versace‘s sister line, Versus (see it here).

A spokesperson for Saint Laurent told WWD, the house “does not comment on rumors.” How is that true when last week the brand’s U.S. PR team confirmed that Slimane has not left the label? I beleive that there is some truth to this rumor and all parties are preparing an official statement which could be release in the coming days.

We personally reached out to press over at Kering and are awaiting confirmation.

Slimane joined Saint Laurent in March 2012, replacing creative director Stefano Pilato who helmed the label for almost eight years.

New York Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn has criticized the L.A.-based designer in the past and so did the Guardian‘s fashion editor Jess Cartner-Morley.

Even though, I agree with Cathy Horyn, when she criticized Hedi Slimane for taking Yves out of YSL and renaming it Saint Laurent, I must admit that I do like how Hedi Slimane has revamped and rebranded the label over the last three years.

UPDATE!!!

I reached out to Gaelle Collet from Yves Saint Laurent directly and she said, “we do not comment rumors.” Stay tuned as this story develops!

Photos Credit: Getty Images