Anthony Vaccarello's reported departure from Saint Laurent after a decade has sent the fashion world into speculation mode, with Chemena Kamali, current creative director of Chloé, emerging as the frontrunner to succeed him. Since taking charge at Chloé in 2023, she has revived the house's bohemian spirit with a contemporary lens, swiftly propelling the brand back into the fashion spotlight. While no official appointment has been confirmed, the industry is closely watching her next move.
Kamali previously served as women's ready-to-wear design director at Saint Laurent from 2016 to 2023 under Vaccarello's leadership. A return to the house would be something of a homecoming. Given the momentum and interpretive skill she has demonstrated at Chloé, her potential move to Saint Laurent carries weight beyond a simple personnel shift. It opens the door for someone who already knows the brand's DNA to reimagine the house through a fresh perspective.
Vaccarello spent ten years cementing Saint Laurent's signature: a bold, unapologetically sexual femininity. What direction the house takes after his exit remains an open question. How Kamali's free-spirited yet refined silhouettes at Chloé might intersect with—or challenge—Saint Laurent's rock-chic identity is the central tension. The fashion world is watching to see whether she will build on her past experience to unlock a new chapter.
No official announcement has been made yet. But within the industry, Kamali's name is already circulating as if it were a done deal. Given her track record of revitalizing Chloé so quickly, there is every reason to believe she could steer Saint Laurent into a compelling new era. Do you think Chemena Kamali is the right choice to lead Saint Laurent into its next phase?
Kamali previously served as women's ready-to-wear design director at Saint Laurent from 2016 to 2023 under Vaccarello's leadership. A return to the house would be something of a homecoming. Given the momentum and interpretive skill she has demonstrated at Chloé, her potential move to Saint Laurent carries weight beyond a simple personnel shift. It opens the door for someone who already knows the brand's DNA to reimagine the house through a fresh perspective.
Vaccarello spent ten years cementing Saint Laurent's signature: a bold, unapologetically sexual femininity. What direction the house takes after his exit remains an open question. How Kamali's free-spirited yet refined silhouettes at Chloé might intersect with—or challenge—Saint Laurent's rock-chic identity is the central tension. The fashion world is watching to see whether she will build on her past experience to unlock a new chapter.
No official announcement has been made yet. But within the industry, Kamali's name is already circulating as if it were a done deal. Given her track record of revitalizing Chloé so quickly, there is every reason to believe she could steer Saint Laurent into a compelling new era. Do you think Chemena Kamali is the right choice to lead Saint Laurent into its next phase?
FAQ
When did Chemena Kamali become Chloé's creative director?
Chemena Kamali was appointed creative director of Chloé in 2023. She quickly repositioned the brand as a trendy force by giving its bohemian mood a contemporary reinterpretation.
What did Chemena Kamali do at Saint Laurent?
Chemena Kamali served as womenswear design director at Saint Laurent under Anthony Vaccarello from 2016 to 2023. This experience makes her a strong successor candidate, as she already understands the Saint Laurent DNA.
How long did Anthony Vaccarello lead Saint Laurent?
Anthony Vaccarello spent ten years as creative director of Saint Laurent, solidifying the brand's sexual and powerful femininity. His departure has sparked widespread interest in who will succeed him.
