Anthony Vaccarello is officially leaving Saint Laurent after a decade as creative director, sparking speculation about who will take over the iconic French fashion house.
The fashion industry is facing another major creative shake-up. Anthony Vaccarello is officially leaving Saint Laurent, bringing an end to a remarkable decade during which the Belgian-Italian designer transformed the French luxury house into one of the most influential names in contemporary fashion.
The announcement, confirmed by Saint Laurent on Friday, marks the conclusion of a creative partnership that began in 2016. The house, owned by luxury group Kering, has yet to reveal who will succeed Vaccarello, although an announcement regarding its next creative director is expected soon.
At 44, Anthony Vaccarello leaves behind a distinctive aesthetic defined by powerful silhouettes, sharp tailoring, sensual eveningwear and an unmistakable sense of Parisian glamour. His collections consistently explored the relationship between elegance and provocation, combining leather, dramatic shoulders, luxurious fabrics and statement accessories.
His spectacular Paris Fashion Week presentations also became essential events on the international fashion calendar. Frequently staged against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, the shows transformed the French capital into an extension of Saint Laurent‘s visual identity.
His Spring 2027 collection now appears particularly symbolic. Presented beneath three monumental chandeliers, with the Eiffel Tower rising in the background, the gold-dominated runway show fuelled speculation that the designer was preparing to close an important chapter.
Beyond the catwalk, Vaccarello significantly expanded the brand’s cultural presence. In 2023, he established Saint Laurent Productions, strengthening the house’s relationship with cinema through collaborations involving acclaimed filmmakers including Pedro Almodóvar, Jim Jarmusch and Jacques Audiard.
He also introduced Saint Laurent Editions and developed Saint Laurent Babylone, a Parisian space dedicated to art, literature and creative expression.
Following the announcement, Kering chief executive Luca de Meo acknowledged Vaccarello’s contribution to the house, highlighting the creative vision and uncompromising standards that helped strengthen its international influence.
Meanwhile, attention has turned towards Chemena Kamali, the current creative director of Chloé, whose name has emerged in industry speculation surrounding the succession. Kamali previously worked at Saint Laurent under Vaccarello between 2016 and 2023, although no appointment has been confirmed.
