Saint Laurent announced in the early hours of this morning that Hedi Slimane will present a blockbuster show at the Palladium in LA on February 10 to celebrate 10 years of his Hedi Slimane Diary, a photography project documenting the California music scene. However, if the rumors are to be believed, it may be one of the designer’s final shows for the French fashion house as his contract negotiations have been fruitless so far. Reports also suggest that there is even another designer in the wings waiting to take his place.
WWD reports that Anthony Vaccarello, the Belgian designer who has been at Versace Versus since spring/summer 15 (and became its creative director in January 2015), is in talks to take the helm of the French house. A Saint Laurent spokesperson told the paper it does not comment on speculation, but this isn’t the first time Hedi’s been rumored to step down. Over the Christmas break, murmurs in Paris suggested his departure was imminent, though they were swiftly denied.
With Raf Simons leaving Dior and Alber Elbaz being removed from Lanvin during 2015 (and no replacement yet announced by either house), a top spot swap at Saint Laurent (and at Versus if the rumors about Vaccarello prove true) would see 2016 rival last year’s turbulent reputation for fashion musical chairs.
Credits
Photography Collier Schorr
Fashion Director Alastair McKimm