Saint Laurent Confirms the Appointment of Anthony Vaccarello

After officially departing Versus Versace over the weekend, designer Anthony Vaccarello has been hired to replace Hedi Slimane at Saint Laurent. The long-rumored appointment was confirmed today by the storied French fashion house itself. Said Francesca Bellettini, president and chief executive officer of Yves Saint Laurent:

I am extremely happy to have Anthony Vaccarello take the creative helm of Yves Saint Laurent. His modern, pure aesthetic is the perfect fit for the maison. Anthony Vaccarello 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. I am enthusiastic about embarking on a new era with Anthony Vaccarello, and together bringing the maison further success.

Kerin CEO and chairman François-Henri Pinault added:

I am very proud to welcome such a vivid and young force among today’s creative fashion talents to Yves Saint Laurent. Anthony Vaccarello’s unique style will greatly express the maison’s creative signature and fashion authority, building on the brand’s solid foundations, and further developing it to realise its full potential. Together with the entire Yves Saint Laurent team, Anthony Vaccarello will strongly contribute to the maison’s growing accomplishments.

The 36-year-old Vaccarello, known for the sexuality pervasive looks throughout his collections, has been at Versus Versace since 2013 — initially as a guest designer before being named creative director last September — and has also overseen his own eponymous label since 2009.

Vaccarello will be just the fourth ready-to-wear designer in Saint Laurent’s history and will make his debut for the label this October with the unveiling of his Spring/Summer 2017 collection.