Overview
- Saint Laurent confirmed on Friday that Anthony Vaccarello is departing after a ten-year run that reshaped the house’s image through theatrical shows and cultural projects.
- The company and Kering thanked Vaccarello and said new creative leadership will be named soon, with industry reports widely pointing to Chloé designer Chemena Kamali as the likely successor.
- Kering highlighted that Saint Laurent returned to growth in the first half of 2026 after revenues slid in 2025 to €2.64 billion, and executives have framed the leadership change as part of a strategic reset.
- Recent hires and moves under Vaccarello include the founding of Saint Laurent Productions and Saint Laurent Editions and the quiet recruitment of handbag designer Johnny Coca, signalling a push toward stronger leather goods and product diversification.
- The transition could shift the house’s priorities toward merchantable products and faster‑selling categories, a change that would affect design direction, merchandising and the brand’s growth plans in Asia and among high‑value clients.