Anthony Vaccarello Exits Saint Laurent After 10 Years.

Anthony Vaccarello has stepped down as creative director of Saint Laurent.

Anthony Vaccarello has officially stepped down as creative director of Saint Laurent after a decade leading one of fashion’s most influential luxury houses. Kering confirmed his departure on October 9, 2026, closing a chapter that began in April 2016. His final collection was Spring/Summer 2027, presented in Paris near the Eiffel Tower. During his tenure, Vaccarello helped triple Saint Laurent’s annual revenue. Now, the fashion industry is waiting to learn who will lead the house next.

When Vaccarello took over from Hedi Slimane in 2016, he inherited a house with a strong identity and a distinctive place in modern fashion. His approach maintained Saint Laurent’s sharp tailoring, sensual silhouettes and confident attitude. He built on the house’s established codes while giving them a consistent contemporary direction. His collections kept black tailoring, sheer fabrics, leather and strong shoulders central to the brand’s visual identity. Over time, his work helped turn Saint Laurent into an even bigger commercial force.

From the Runway to Record Revenue

Vaccarello’s legacy extends beyond clothes and runway images. Kering credited his creative vision and exacting standards with strengthening Saint Laurent’s influence in fashion and culture. The brand’s annual revenue tripled during his decade in charge, underlining the commercial value of a clear creative direction. His tenure showed how a luxury fashion house benefits when its runway collections, campaigns and overall image work together. For Saint Laurent, the next challenge is protecting that momentum without losing the identity Vaccarello helped shape.

His Final Collection Marks the End of an Era

The Spring/Summer 2027 show in Paris became Vaccarello’s final runway presentation for the house. Staged near the Eiffel Tower, the collection closed his ten-year run with Saint Laurent. His departure leaves a significant gap at a label known for its strong visual identity and commercial influence. The decision also places renewed attention on the house’s next creative chapter. Fashion watchers will be looking closely at whether Saint Laurent continues along Vaccarello’s path or introduces a different direction.

Who Will Replace Anthony Vaccarello?

Kering has yet to announce a successor, saying new creative leadership will be revealed soon. The appointment matters because Saint Laurent has built a recognisable identity under Vaccarello, supported by strong sales and global visibility. A new designer will need to respect the house’s heritage while offering a fresh point of view. A dramatic change might attract attention, but it also risks disrupting the consistency behind the brand’s recent success. The next appointment will offer an important signal about Kering’s wider creative strategy.

What His Departure Means for Fashion

Creative director changes often reshape more than a runway collection. They influence brand image, product direction, campaigns and the relationship between fashion houses and their customers. Vaccarello leaves after a period of strong commercial growth, giving his successor a demanding standard to meet. His departure also raises a familiar question about luxury fashion: how much should a house change when its current direction is working? Saint Laurent now faces the task of balancing continuity with creative renewal.

The takeaway: Anthony Vaccarello leaves Saint Laurent after ten years of creative leadership and major commercial growth. His successor will inherit a powerful brand, a clear identity and high expectations. Should Saint Laurent protect the formula Vaccarello built, or take a creative risk with its next designer?