Hedi Slimane is to leave Yves Saint Laurent as creative director, apparently the glittered Mary Jane shoes association is in tears. Before the announcement of the next creative director comes about and we begin to move on, I decided to revisit some of the most memorable events while he was there and my personal favourite collections.
Dropping the Yves
Re-naming the ready-to-wear line to just ‘Saint Laurent’ is generally the first thing mentioned about his period as creative director. The decision perplexed both fans and the media, who can remember that notorious shirt by What About Yves that carried the phrase ‘Ain’t Laurent Without Yves’? While some can argue that the situation was a public relations disaster with ill fitting guidelines restricting journalists when referring to YSL, overall the move should be commended looking back. After all, the decision could be the reasoning behind the brand doubling in annual sales after three years since Hedi’s arrival.
FW14 Collection
If I could change one thing whilst in school, it would be that I got a job at 14, saved all my money and spent it on FW14. This may seem unnecessary, but then if you think that you probably haven’t witnessed the Bridgette Bardot of boots. FW14 will be as close to everything that I would ever from the world, glitter Mary Janes, glitter boots, mini skirts and bow ties.
Aproaching the brand differently
Lastly, Hedi’s ambition to be both different but cool is so admirable and is why we were so attentive to each collection. This desire of difference is the reason for the dropping of the ‘Yves’ as mentioned above, the showcase of collections in California and the pretty but grungy tiaras that were presented in the SS16 collection. This difference is what we will miss the most, farewell Hedi!
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