Anthony Vaccarello has left Versus Versace to take over as Yves Saint Laurent's creative and image director following Hedi Slimane's departure from the job last week.
The former creative director of the Italian designer brand - the sister company of Versace, which was re-launched by Christopher Kane in 2009 following its close in 2005 - officially left the fashion house on Sunday.
Speaking about Vaccarello's departure, the luxury brand's chief designer Donatella Versace said: "While I'm sad to see him leave the Versace family, I wish Anthony Vaccarello tremendous success with his next chapter."
Regarding other departures from the label, she added: "In each instance, their time on Versus Versace led to them making a huge advancement in their design career. I appreciated the chance to work with each of these three designers - Jonathan Anderson, Christopher Kane and Anthony Vaccarello - and I enjoyed seeing what they brought to a brand I truly love. I'm proud that Versus can be such a remarkable global platform for emerging design talent."
The 33-year-old Belgian/Italian - who collaborated with Versus before taking full control of the reins one year ago - sparked rumours of a potential move after his use of lace and leather pieces, which were symbolic to the 1980s rock era in his latest collection was compared to Hedi's Yves Saint Laurent garments.
Vaccarello was behind the see-now/sell-now model, which allowed garments to become immediately available after being showcased on the catwalk, which boosted the company's profits last year.
Meanwhile, Slimane has ended a four-year stint with French fashion house Yves Saint Laurent. His departure was announced by The Kering Group - the company that owns the label - after four years as creative and Image Director.
François-Henri Pinault, chairman and chief executive of Kering, said: "What Yves Saint Laurent has achieved over the past four years represents a unique chapter in the history of the House. I am very grateful to Hedi Slimane, and the whole Yves Saint Laurent team, for having set the path that the House has successfully embraced, and which will grant longevity to this legendary Brand."
Speaking about Hedi's departure, Francesca Bellettini, president and chief executive of Yves Saint Laurent, said: "I would like to thank Hedi Slimane very much for his vision in reforming such an iconic House as Yves Saint Laurent. The direction that has been taken over the last four years represents an incredible foundation for the brand to build on for its continuous success."
Hedi's final campaign for YSL featured Jane Birkin and Cara Delevingne.
Cara (23) has posed for a monochrome-styled shoot for a print, online and TV campaign for YSL's La Collection de Paris , which boasts a range of 42 pieces that were showcased at Yves Saint Laurent's new couture salons during Paris Fashion Week.
The 47-year-old designer - who began working with the brand in 2012 - posted a string of photographs of the Paper Towns actress from the shoot on social media.
- Bang Showbiz
