Elsy Jane

Last Monday it was announced that the successor to take over Yves Saint Laurent would be Anthony Vaccarello. Barely letting the dust settle after Hedi Slimane's departure, the latest creative director will debut his first collection in October- Spring/Summer 2017 Ready to Wear, but what are the top things to know about Vaccarello?...

- He was born in Belgium to Italian parents, at first studying law before graduating the art and design school 'La Cambre' in Brussels in 2006, he took home the top fashion prize at Hyeres in France which focuses on emerging talent.


- Before taking the job as Yves Saint Laurent, Vaccarello was admired by and worked at Versus Versace, many thought he would be the next creative directer of the brand if Donatella ever stepped down.


- Vaccarello's aesthetic was inspired by the photography of Helmut Newton and Herb Ritts, his signature slashed and cut garments will catch the attention of old school YSL lovers

- He is a strong believer that the colour black creates drama, the colour has been all too familiar while Slimane was creative director of YSL and it seems the trend will continue

Last Monday it was announced that the successor to take over Yves Saint Laurent would be Anthony Vaccarello. Barely letting the dust settle ...

Rebellious. Innovative. Scandalous. Just some of the ways Hedi Slimane was described by critics after 4 years of service to Yves Saint Laurent. Despite the day it was announced, it was no April fools joke (unfortunately), meaning Slimane became the fourth designer to leave his post after less then five years, joining Alexander Wang who left Balenciaga after three years last July, Raf Simmons who left Dior in February and Stefano Pilato left Zegna the same month, which he started at after leaving YSL.

Out of his four years at Saint Laurent he is probably best known for changing the silhouette of men's fashion to super skinny, however Slimane didn't just design 'pretty clothes' - his careful touch transformed the iconic fashion house, his designs left critics stunned, his revolutionary fashion brought back the young's love of fashion. He put his print on the extravagant eponymous brand, giving it his own rock n' roll tameless style that brought opinions of disgust and opinions of praise. Despite some's eagerness for a new creative director, it is no secret that Slimane certainly transformed the label - sales grew from about £248 million to £682 million in four years (2011 to 2015) and you must know you're a success when Karl Lagerfield loses 90 lbs just to fit into your clothing.




Slimane's debut collection - Spring 2013, Ready to Wear
There were immaculate suits, clean cuts and billowing blouses, the rock edge aesthetic teamed with 70's shapes and a lot of black was a strong starting point for the designer. The 70's era had never been portrayed like this before- it was refreshing and new. Of course there were the typical ponchos and cloaks but Slimane also created a lasting look from the very start, that has stuck with him throughout his time at YSL.

Rebellious. Innovative. Scandalous. Just some of the ways Hedi Slimane was described by critics after 4 years of service to Yves Saint Laure...