Anthony Vaccarello Confirmed As Creative Director At Saint Laurent

Anthony Vaccarello has been confirmed as the new creative director of Saint Laurent, effective immediately.

"Mr Saint Laurent is a legendary figure for his creativity, style and audacity," said Vaccarello. "I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the history of this extraordinary house."

A joint statement from Saint Laurent and Kering, the French fashion house's parent company, confirmed the 36-year-old Belgian-born designer has been hired to take over the top job from Hedi Slimane.

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"I am extremely happy to have Anthony Vaccarello take the creative helm of Yves Saint Laurent,” said Francesca Bellettini, Saint Laurent CEO and president. "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.''

"I am very proud to welcome such a vivid and young force among today’s creative fashion talents to Yves Saint Laurent," added François-Henri Pinault, Kering CEO and chairman. "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."

Vaccarello announced his departure from Versus Versace this week ahead of his new role.

The luxury brand's chief designer Donatella Versace said of his departure: "While I'm sad to see him leave the Versace family, I wish Anthony Vaccarello tremendous success with his next chapter."

The designer was instrumental in Versace's 'see-now/sell-now' model, which enabled garments to go on sale immediately after being seen on the runway, a move which help boost the company's profits in 2015.