Yves Saint Laurent confirms Pilati to leave

French luxury group PPR has announced that Stefano Pilati,

the creative director of Yves Saint Laurent, is set to leave the company next month.

Pilati, who took over as creative director from Tom Ford in 2004, has been ‘instrumental in the rebuilding and repositioning of an iconic French luxury brand. Under Stefano’s guiding vision and artistic direction, the house has become a contemporary reference in high fashion’, YSL said in a statement.

The luxury fashion house added that he will showcase his final womenswear collection for autumn/winter 2012 in Paris on March 5, and that his replacement will be announced in the coming week, which is rumoured to be Hedi Slimane, who has also been linked with the Dior job.

Commenting on the announcement, Yves Saint Laurent Chief Executive Officer Paul Deneve said, “We are all at Yves Saint Laurent grateful to Stefano for his important achievements in advancing the mission and success of this historic and treasured fashion house.”

PPR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer François-Henri Pinault added, “I join Paul Deneve and the house of Saint Laurent in thanking Stefano for his dedication and contribution to the story of Yves Saint Laurent. I personally wish him all the best.”