Earlier this week we reported Saint Laurent’s creative director of four years, Hedi Slimane, was leaving the house. Yesterday, Belgian-Italian designer Anthony Vaccarello was announced as his successor.
President and chief executive officer of YSL, Francesca Bellettini, praised Varccello’s “modern, pure aesthetic” as a “perfect fit” for the house in light of the announcement.
“[He] impeccably balances elements of provocative femininity and sharp masculinity in his silhouettes. He is the natural choice to express the essence of Yves Saint Laurent,”
During his tenure at the house, Slimane effected a number of changes, changing the brand of the house significantly. Vaccarello thus has a large legacy to meet as the new creative director, but comes with a significant resume of experience. Vaccarello started his career at Fendi under the eye of Karl Largerfeld, but is perhaps most famous for his creative direction at Versus Versace. The announcement he was vacating this position was released just hours before the news of his YSL opportunity. Yesterday on his facebook, Vaccarello honoured his relationship with Donatella Versace through a photo captioned with a heart emoji.
Vaccarello has not made himself available for comment this week, instead choosing to release a simple statement about the late Saint Laurent with the announcement of his new position, “a legendary figure for his creativity, style and audacity. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the history of this extraordinary house.”
The new Creative Director will be “pausing” his own brand to meet his new responsibilities and dedicate himself to this new opportunity.
WWD has reported that Vaccarello’s debut season for Saint Laurent will take place at this October’s Paris Fashion Week.