With the designer's departure from the label, we look back at some of his finest sartorial moments
If there’s one thing Hedi Slimane successfully did during his short four-year tenure at the Parisian label, is that he left us wanting more. It's interesting considering that, when Slimane first came on board, people joked “it ain’t Saint Laurent without Yves” – but now, it’s clear to see that the brand won’t be the same without Slimane. And so, as a bona fide Hedi fan, I've recounted some of his best looks across various collections over the years.
1. Spring/Summer 2013 Women’s
Slimane gives Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic 1967 safari jacket a rock n’ roll make over in his debut women’s collection.
2. Autumn/Winter 2013 Men’s
Grunge rock vibes and a closet full of clothes Kurt Cobain would have worn – Slimane sets the rock n’ roll tone for his first collection of menswear for Saint Laurent.
3. Autumn/Winter 2013 Women’s
Baby doll dresses, usually complete with a bow and a Peter Pan collar quickly became one of Slimane’s staples for women.
4. Resort 2014 Women’s
Hedi lends his photographic eye to the Resort lookbook, staring Sasha Pivovarova in a sheer blouse and beaded leopard (arguably his favourite print) jacket.
5. Spring/Summer 2014 Men’s
Slimane goes glam and pays tribute to David Bowie.
6. Spring/Summer 2014 Women’s
Yves Saint Laurent is practically synonymous with the black and white Helmut Newton photos. How could Hedi not reference the iconic Le Smoking tuxedo?
7. Spring/Summer 2015 Men’s
Psychedelic embroidery and Navajo-inspired silver accessories give the Psych Rock collection an unexpected edge.
8. Spring/Summer 2015 Women’s
Who could not love Cara Delevigne in the band jacket and leopard mini? Paired with the chunky platforms (shoe of the season), it was the perfect combination of the Swinging ‘60s and rock 'n' roll.
9. Autumn/Winter 2015 Men’s
Skinny suit and and even skinnier tie? We’re seeing a bit of the Hedi we’ve seen and grown to love at Dior Homme here.
10. Autumn/Winter 2015 Men’s
Perhaps the epitome Saint Laurent look: leather biker, skinny jeans and a Cuban heeled boot that's pure Hedi.
11. Autumn/Winter 2015 Women’s
Slimane’s Saint Laurent girl is unapologetically bad – just take cues from her zip-up mini dress, ripped fishnets and Siouxsie Sioux eye make up.
12. Spring/Summer 2016 Men’s
Named the ‘Surf Sound Collection’, it’s clear Slimane’s time in Los Angeles has inspired the laid-back aesthetic and beach-friendly designs.
13. Spring/Summer 2016 Women’s
Courtney Love, is that you? We can’t help but to think of the rock royalty when these expertly cut slip dresses glided down the runway – complete with a rhinestone tiara.
14. Autumn/Winter 2016 Men’s
The skinny Saint Laurent silhouette we have become so familiar with, and styled with Hedi’s most lustworthy wardrobe essential – the statement jacket.
15. Autumn/Winter 2016 Men’s
Womenswear made up half of the 93-look show in Los Angeles, and we saw a new Saint Laurent woman emerge.
16. Autumn/Winter 2016 Women’s
The last look of the Hedi’s last collection for the house, a heart shaped fur coat atop a mini dress- what a brilliant way to wrap up.
Justine Lee is the Fashion Editor for Hong Kong Tatler
All images courtesy of Saint Laurent