The fashion industry is no stranger to fast pace moves and changes, and this month brought forth many power shifts with key players.
Anthony Vaccarello Exits Saint Laurent After Ten Years
The emotional industry speculation and rumors of Anthony Vaccarello’s departure at Saint Laurent have proven true, with parent company Kering confirming his leave on October 9th. Anthony Vaccarello leaves behind a legendary legacy with YSL, ending with a golden runway under the Eiffel Tower for YSL’s Spring / Summer 2027 collection.
Vaccarello was hired as Creative Director of YSL in April 2016, succeeding Hedi Slimane and pushing sales past €3.3 billion. Vaccarello’s YSL woman represented high glamour by reinterpreting the house’s archives through sheer or naked dresses, tailored power shoulders, and repeatedly transforming Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic women’s tuxedo. He further restored the YSL monogram by placing the brand’s logo on jewelry, belts, and stiletto heel designs.
In Vaccarello’s collaboration with Creative Director of Men’s and Women’s Shoes, Corrado De Biase, YSL footwear became more provocative and commercially appealing, with techniques including thigh-high latex and leather boots, transparent PVC pumps, and metallic YSL monogram heels.
Creative Director Shifts
Kering has announced Seàn McGirr’s stepdown from Alexander McQueen after a three-year career, effective October 15th.
Kering further revealed Veronica Leoni’s stepdown from Calvin Klein after a two year career tenure, effective October 15th.
Rumors are further circulating that Balenciaga’s Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli will also be stepping down from his creative leadership next year, following the presentation of Balenciaga’s Spring / Summer 27 show at Paris Fashion Week.
CFDA Appoints New Leadership
The Council of Fashion Designers of America has newly appointed Hildy Kuryk as its interim CEO following Steven Kolb’s resignation. Kolb took his leave after videos circulated online of Kolb physically restraining PETA protestors at the COS show. Read more on the NYFW Cos Show incident.
CFDA Interim CEO Hildy Kuryk. Image Credits: Coveteur.
Kuryk is strictly on a temporary contract and is noted to not be a permanent replacement candidate. Thom Browne, Board Chairman of the CFDA, is working with executive search firm Karen Harvey Consulting Group to find a permanent stand-in, with the search expected to take three to six months.
Although Kuryk herself is new to the CFDA, her extensive background covers deep roots in high-level politics, fashion publishing and media, and philanthropy. She is the co-founder of the boutique consultancy Artemis Strategies and previously was the Executive Director of Communications at Vogue, working closely with Anna Wintour.
Her primary focus at the CFDA is to maintain steady leadership and serve as a crucial liaison between the staff and the Board of Directors during this transitional period.
Sources: Vogue, Business of Fashion
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