Former Saint Laurent creative director has hired a lawyer to dismiss
rumours that he has an eponymous label in the works.
Slimane took to social media to release the statement from his
Paris-based law firm Cabinet Temime and Associés, who he has enlisted to
represent him in connection with Yves Saint Laurent, as well as to deny the
rumour suggested by the media that he was meeting with investors to raise
funds for his new label.
Last month it was reported that Slimane was spotted meeting with
investors in Doha, Qatar, where the offices of Mayhoola for Investments, a
fund that controls Valentino and has shares in Anya Hindmarsh is based.
In the statement, it clearly denies such reports, stating: “Hedi Slimane
has never had in the past, let alone now, the intention or desire to launch
a brand under his name, and therefore denies recent rumours.
“Of alleged encounters with investors, in Paris or Doha, where Hedi Slimane
has in fact never been.”
PRESS STATEMENT FROM HEDI SLIMANE’S LAWYER, MAITRE HERVE
TEMIME pic.twitter.com/jQ4SySgDKO—
Hedi Slimane (@hedislimanetwit) May 4,
2016
Kering, parent company to Yves Saint Laurent, confirmed last month that
was leaving his role as creative
director after just four years at the helm, adding that he would be
replaced by .
Slimane’s statement didn’t address the exact reason for his departure
from Saint Laurent, per an agreement with Kering, although he did
officially acknowledge his gratitude to the Saint Laurent family, including
studio and couture ateliers, and seamstresses with a “public and vibrant
tribute”. He also thanked Pierre Berge, Yves Saint Laurent’s longtime
partner who championed Slimane, adding that he “dedicates these four
creative and inspiring years” at the helm of the French fashion house to
Berge.
Slimane may have made a denial about launching his own eponymous label
but the rumour mill is still in full swing as the designer has yet to
reveal his next move, which some believe may see him heading to Chanel.
With rumours including that Slimane is being groomed to takeover from Karl
Lagerfeld, or that the designer is to head up menswear at the iconic
fashion house. The speculation was further fuelled by the fact that
Lagerfeld was seen wearing a Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane jacket at
Chanel’s 2017 cruise show in Cuba.
However, that leads further questions on whether the designer will be
able to work for a rival design house, as surely he has a non-compete
agreement with Yves Saint Laurent.
Image: Yves Saint Laurent Facebook