Anthony Vaccarello Is Reportedly Leaving Saint Laurent

Anthony Vaccarello

Anthony Vaccarello could be preparing to leave Saint Laurent, according to new industry speculation, with attention already turning toward who could potentially succeed him at the Kering-owned fashion house.

The rumors surfaced on Instagram through BoringNotCom, which shared a series of posts under the cautious hashtag #allegedly claiming that Vaccarello may be nearing the end of his tenure at Saint Laurent. The account also identified Chloé creative director Chemena Kamali as a possible successor.

Neither Saint Laurent, Chloé nor their respective parent companies have confirmed the reports, leaving the claims firmly in the realm of speculation for now.

Vaccarello has served as Saint Laurent’s creative director since 2016, spending a decade shaping the house into one of the most recognisable names in contemporary luxury fashion. His tenure has been defined by sharp tailoring, high-glamour silhouettes, sensual styling and a distinctly nighttime aesthetic that has become closely associated with the brand.

His influence has extended well beyond the runway. Vaccarello helped drive the resurgence of ultra-high heels, vintage-inspired lace-trimmed slips and fashion-forward interpretations of everyday outerwear, while continuing to build on the provocative spirit established by Saint Laurent’s earlier creative eras.

Under his leadership, the house has also expanded its cultural presence beyond traditional fashion. Saint Laurent has invested heavily in music, art and cinema, including the creation of Saint Laurent Productions, further establishing the brand as a broader cultural platform.

A potential departure after 10 years would therefore mark a significant transition for the house.

Kamali’s name is particularly notable because she already has a history with Saint Laurent. Before taking over as creative director at Chloé in 2023, she worked at Saint Laurent as womenswear design director under Vaccarello. Her potential appointment would consequently offer the house a designer who understands its internal structure and creative language.

Since arriving at Chloé, Kamali has developed a softer and more romantic aesthetic, drawing on the maison’s history of fluid silhouettes, feminine dressing, nostalgic references and free-spirited styling. Her work has helped re-establish Chloé’s distinctive identity while making her one of the most closely followed creative directors in Paris.

That vision differs considerably from the sleek and highly controlled world Vaccarello has established at Saint Laurent. A move to the house could therefore represent either a continuation of certain design codes she previously explored there or a new interpretation of the Saint Laurent woman shaped by her experience at Chloé.

For now, however, Vaccarello remains Saint Laurent’s creative director and Kamali remains at Chloé. No official announcement regarding either a departure or succession has been made.

If the reports ultimately prove accurate, Saint Laurent could be entering a major new chapter after a decade under Vaccarello, potentially setting the stage for another significant shift within the Paris luxury landscape.

Editor’s Note: This article reports on industry speculation regarding Anthony Vaccarello’s future at Saint Laurent. As of publication, Saint Laurent, Kering, Chloé and Chemena Kamali have not officially confirmed a departure or appointment. The information presented above should therefore be considered unconfirmed and subject to change as additional information becomes available.

Photos: Giovanni Giannoni/WWD