Paris, France – Ending conjectures on the fate of  infamous luxury French label Saint Laurent, parent company Kering Group released a statement confirming the exit of Hedi Slimane as a creative director effective immediately, “at the end of a four-year mission, which has led to the complete repositioning of the brand, the Maison Yves Saint Laurent announces the departure of Hedi Slimane as its creative and image director.”

The news was confirmed today in a brief joint statement issued by Saint Laurent and Kering, the brand’s holding group, which according to Business of Fashion reads, “What Yves Saint Laurent has achieved over the past four years represents a unique chapter in the history of the house,” said François-Henri Pinault, chairman and chief executive officer of Kering, crediting Slimane with completely repositioned the brand. “I am very grateful to Hedi Slimane, and the whole Yves Saint Laurent team, for having set the path that the house has successfully embraced, and which will grant longevity to this legendary brand.”

Rumour wheels churned days before his exit and this news shouldn’t come as a shock or a surprise, as recently multiple creative heads jumped on to the bandwagon of exiting their respective Fashion Houses, Alexander Wang – Balenciaga, Demna Gvasalia – Vetements, Alber Elbaz – Lanvin, and Raf Simons – Dior. Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen is being eyed to join Dior and Cèline has already lost Phoebe Philo.

Anthony Vaccarello, who has a similar rock and roll aesthetic as (although perhaps less cerebral then) Slimane is rumoured to take over the position, although Vaccarello was appointed as Versace creative director only last September.

-Image Courtesy Saint Laurent