Ever since his departure from Yves Saint Laurent at the end of March this year, speculation has been rife regarding what fashion designer Hedi Slimane will do next.
Known around the world for his rock ‘n’ roll inspired black suits and androgynous designs, Slimane completely reinvented the YSL brand to make it what it is today.
Chairman and chief executive officer of Kering, François-Henri Pinault’s statement regarding Slimane’s departure of the brand highlights just how influential he was.
“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.”
Clearly, Slimane has become a much sought-after designer in the fashion industry and while his departure from the fashion label may not be the best thing for the company, his options are somewhat limitless.
Initially, several reports speculated Slimane would be starting his own fashion label but those were quickly shot down by Slimane himself. As a result, the newest speculation is that he could take over from Karl Lagerfeld as creative director for Chanel.
If these rumours were to be true, the directions Slimane could take Chanel are endless, with some speculating he would be the one to create the brands first menswear line. However, as exciting a prospect as that is, these rumours have been denied by Chanel and Lagerfeld himself. But the idea that Slimane will become the brand’s new creative director after more than 30 years under Lagerfeld’s control continues to persist despite any statements indicating otherwise.
Perhaps the reason behind this, is Lagerfeld’s own admiration for Slimane. It’s no secret how much Lagerfeld admires Slimane’s revolutionary super-skinny mens designs; he even dropped a reported 90 pounds in order to fit into Slimane’s Dior suits.
While these rumors regarding Slimane and Chanel did indeed subside for a short period of time, Lagerfeld’s wardrobe choice at Chanel’s recent fashion show in Cuba reignited them when he wore a custom Saint Laurent jacket designed by Slimane rather than one of his own designs.
While this is seen by some as a simple nod to Slimane, it is interesting nonetheless to see Lagerfeld opting to wear a jacket designed by the man who is supposedly set to replace him, rather than one of his own creations.
Only time will tell if Lagerfeld’s wardrobe choices were anything more than just a nod. But no matter how many rumors are denied, one thing that can’t be is that regardless of where Slimane chooses to go next, big things are sure to follow.
