Hedi Slimane denies rumours to launch eponymous label

Former Saint Laurent creative director Hedi Slimane has hired a lawyer to dismiss rumours that he has an eponymous label in the works.

Slimane took to social media to release the statement from his Paris-based law firm Cabinet Temime and Associés, who he has enlisted to represent him in connection with Yves Saint Laurent, as well as to deny the rumour suggested by the media that he was meeting with investors to raise funds for his new label.

Last month it was reported that Slimane was spotted meeting with investors in Doha, Qatar, where the offices of Mayhoola for Investments, a fund that controls Valentino and has shares in Anya Hindmarsh is based.

In the statement, it clearly denies such reports, stating: “Hedi Slimane has never had in the past, let alone now, the intention or desire to launch a brand under his name, and therefore denies recent rumours.

“Of alleged encounters with investors, in Paris or Doha, where Hedi Slimane has in fact never been.”

PRESS STATEMENT FROM HEDI SLIMANE'S LAWYER, MAITRE HERVE TEMIME pic.twitter.com/jQ4SySgDKO

— Hedi Slimane (@hedislimanetwit) May 4, 2016

Hedi Slimane releases statement regarding launching own label

Kering, parent company to Yves Saint Laurent, confirmed last month that Slimane was leaving his role as creative director after just four years at the helm, adding that he would be replaced by Anthony Vaccarello.

Slimane’s statement didn’t address the exact reason for his departure from Saint Laurent, per an agreement with Kering, although he did officially acknowledge his gratitude to the Saint Laurent family, including studio and couture ateliers, and seamstresses with a “public and vibrant tribute”. He also thanked Pierre Berge, Yves Saint Laurent's longtime partner who championed Slimane, adding that he “dedicates these four creative and inspiring years” at the helm of the French fashion house to Berge.

Slimane may have made a denial about launching his own eponymous label but the rumour mill is still in full swing as the designer has yet to reveal his next move, which some believe may see him heading to Chanel. With rumours including that Slimane is being groomed to takeover from Karl Lagerfeld, or that the designer is to head up menswear at the iconic fashion house. The speculation was further fuelled by the fact that Lagerfeld was seen wearing a Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane jacket at Chanel's 2017 cruise show in Cuba.

However, that leads further questions on whether the designer will be able to work for a rival design house, as surely he has a non-compete agreement with Yves Saint Laurent.

Image: Yves Saint Laurent Facebook