Hedi Slimane is departing Saint Laurent as creative director, its owner Kering confirmed. The announcement comes as the designer's contract with the fashion house expired this week and confirms rumours that have been circling the fashion industry. "What Yves Saint Laurent has achieved over the past four years represents a unique chapter in the history of the house," François-Henri Pinault, chairman and chief executive officer of Kering, said in a joint statement with Saint Laurent. "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."

As to where Slimane will go next, nothing has been disclosed, but his successor is widely rumoured to be Anthony Vaccarello, who is currently creative director of Versace's sister line Versus Versace and his eponymous label.

see press release