Anthony Vaccarello has officially stepped down as creative director of Saint Laurent, as confirmed by the fashion house. The move follows months of speculation, with rumors circulating since the summer. Vaccarello was appointed to the role in 2016, succeeding Hedi Slimane, and led the brand for ten years. During his tenure, Saint Laurent’s revenue grew significantly, reaching 3.3 billion euros in 2022. However, recent financial reports show a decline, with revenue dropping to 2.64 billion euros in 2025, and a reduction in its operating margin, which fell from 30.9% to 20%. These changes are attributed to a general slowdown in the luxury sector and the brand’s strategic shift in 2023, which moved away from wholesale sales. Vaccarello was just 36 when he was appointed by Francesca Bellettini, then CEO of Saint Laurent, only four days after Hedi Slimane’s departure. At the time, he was known for his work as creative director of Versus, the secondary line of Versace, which he had been leading since 2015. He had also been working on his own small brand before joining Saint Laurent. His tenure saw the brand’s financial growth, but his design approach became more rigid in its interpretation of Yves Saint Laurent’s original vision. Vaccarello’s departure coincides with Kering, the parent company of Saint Laurent, Gucci, and other luxury brands, undergoing a restructuring led by its CEO, Luca de Meo. This follows years of declining sales, particularly at Gucci. Reclaiming the Chinese market is one of de Meo’s key priorities. Saint Laurent’s revenue fell by 9% in 2024 and 6% in 2025, but stabilized overall in 2026, according to Kering. The company plans to appoint a new creative director soon and will release its third-quarter sales results on October 22. Vaccarello’s final show took place on September 29, exactly ten years and two days after his first presentation at Saint Laurent. The event was held at the base of the Eiffel Tower, illuminated by three large candle-lit chandeliers, and featured 49 golden-toned outfits, ending with ten black models. This color sequence reversed the finale of Yves Saint Laurent’s Rive Gauche autumn 1991 collection, which had concluded with a golden note. Vaccarello has hinted that his future may take him beyond fashion. In an interview with The Wrap, he said that while Saint Laurent was his dream, he aspires to pursue new, uncharted dreams. Saint Laurent was the last major Kering brand to keep its creative director amid the luxury sector’s challenges, which have prompted changes at Gucci, Balenciaga, and Bottega Veneta. Vaccarello’s departure reflects the broader trend of creative reshuffling in the industry, driven by the need to adapt to shifting market conditions and consumer preferences.