Top image: Anthony Vaccarello by Michael Avedon for HEROINE #1

Today, Yves Saint Laurent have announced Anthony Vaccarello as their new creative director, succeeding Hedi Slimane who announced his departure last week after a four year tenure.

Having announced his departure from Versace Versus this morning, rumours of Anthony Vaccarello joining Yves Saint Laurent gathered strength. Sworn into the creative directorial role at Versace Versus last January, the Belgian-Italian designer has presided over the brand’s collections – both men’s and women’s – since.

“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.”

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

Alongside his role at Versus, Vaccarello has designed his own line with a vibe congruent to Versus’ rocked-up flavour since 2010. His brand’s sexiness and touches of sensibility have swiftly pushed him from newcomer to a member of the establishment. Now he’s graduating and moving onto new things. Hedi Slimane has left some pretty big (pointed, buckled and heeled) shoes to fill, seeing what Vaccarello has planned will be an exciting watch.