Rumors are going around Paris that Stefano Pilati is on his last leg at Yves Saint Laurent. Hint mag hears, however, that Pilati just signed a contract for another three years at the label. Even so, they report that Christophe Decarnin, Hedi Slimane and Raf Simons have been approached about Pilati’s job, but turned it down because of Saint Laurent’s partner Pierre Bergé, who wants the brand to cease production.
He’d rather see it killed and the legacy remain untouchable, observed only from afar through exhibitions, films, auctions, etc. As his foundation still controls the YSL archives, he can and does make life difficult for whomever wants a closer look at the house’s DNA. Furthermore, while the CEO of YSL is an excellent businesswoman, she is, as they say, a ball-breaker. So the job isn’t a walk in the park, to say the least.
Hint is also perpetuating the rumors that when Karl Lagerfeld retires from Chanel — reportedly with a splashy send-off when his 30th anniversary at the label comes in 2012 — Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz will take his place. Olivier Theyskens, who recently took on a Theory line after being let go from Nina Ricci, is poised to replace Elbaz according to these rumors. These are all just rumors but they’ve been flying around for some time independently. Now they’ve all just been woven together like a neat little basket hair ‘do. But if they’re true, sounds like 2012 will be the year of the fashion apocalypse. AHHHHH! Etc.
Another Fashion Week, Another Olivier Theyskens Rumor [Hint Blog]