© Getty

HEDI SLIMANE is departing Saint Laurent as creative director, its owner Kering confirmed this morning.The announcement comes as the designer's contract with the fashion house expired this week and confirms rumours that have been circling the fashion industry since late last year.

Read more:Saint Laurent Autumn/Winter 2016 Ready-To-Wear

"What Yves Saint Laurent has achieved over the past four years represents a unique chapter in the history of the house," François-Henri Pinault, chairman and chief executive officer of Kering, said in a statement this morning."I am very grateful to Hedi Slimane, and the whole Yves Saint Laurent team, for having set the path that the house has successfully embraced, and which will grant longevity to this legendary brand."

“Donatella is unique.Working with her was very natural and fun!She is generous, she gave me total freedom, and respected my vision, and I loved it, I love her... who doesnt?”

Read more:Saint Laurent Denies Slimane Departure

When contacted for comment earlier this year, a spokesperson for the brand asserted that the rumours where unfounded, telling us:"Following the recent departures there has been many rumours and this is another false speculation," referring to the other high-profile exits of Raf Simons from Dior and Alber Elbaz from Lanvin.

Read more:Fashion Vacancies Demystified

Francesca Bellettini, president and CEO of Yves Saint Laurent, stated today:"I would like to thank Hedi Slimane very much for his vision in reforming such an iconic House as Yves Saint Laurent.The direction that has been taken over the last four years represents an incredible foundation for the Brand to build on for its continuous success."

Read more:Vaccarello To Replace Slimane At YSL?

As to where Slimane will go next, nothing has been disclosed, but his successor is widely rumoured to be Anthony Vaccarello, who is currently creative director of Versace's sister line Versus Versace and his eponymous label.Women's Wear Daily reports that his naming could come as soon as May 1 so that he is in situ to design the brand's spring/summer 2017 collection that will show in Paris in October.

Kering said this morning said that "a new creative organisation for the house will be communicated in due course."

Read more:Hedi Slimane:The Man With The Midas Touch