Anthony Vaccarello Exits Saint Laurent After a Decade at the Helm

Summary

Anthony Vaccarello is officially exiting Saint Laurent after 10 years as Creative Director

The Belgian designer transformed the French house into a high-glamour powerhouse with sales peaking at 3.3 billion euros

Parent company Kering announced it will reveal new creative leadership for the brand soon

Saint Laurent and parent company Kering have officially confirmed the departure of Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello after a decade leading the house. The Belgian designer’s dramatic September runway presentation in Paris served as his final collection for the luxury brand.

Vaccarello took the creative reins in 2016 following Hedi Slimane, establishing a distinct visual language anchored in high-octane glamour, sharp tailoring, and sensual eveningwear presented against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. During his ten-year tenure, Saint Laurent’s annual revenues nearly tripled to a peak of €3.3 billion EUR, driven by popular everyday leather goods, sharp footwear, and statement outerwear alongside runway showpieces. Beyond fashion, Vaccarello expanded the brand’s cultural influence in 2023 with the launch of Saint Laurent Productions, backing films by directors including Pedro Almodóvar and David Cronenberg. On Vaccarello’s departure, Luca de Meo, CEO of Kering said, “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Anthony for his contribution to Saint Laurent over the past 10 years. Through his creative vision and exacting standards, he has contributed to strengthening the enduring influence of one of France’s greatest couture houses, as we embark on a new chapter in its history.”

His exit comes as Kering undergoes a broader strategic turnaround under new Chief Executive Luca De Meo and Saint Laurent CEO Cédric Charbit. Moving forward, the house aims to reassert its authority beyond eveningwear by reinforcing its daywear, menswear, and high-end leather goods offerings.