Update: Anthony Vaccarello confirmed as creative director at Yves Saint Laurent

UPDATE: Yves Saint Laurent parent group Kering has confirmed that Anthony Vaccarello has been appointed as creative director following Hedi Slimane's departure last week. It was revealed this morning that Vaccarello had left Versace's Versus label and that his appointment at Yves Saint Laurent was imminent.

In a statement Kering chairman and CEO François-Henri Pinault said he was "proud to welcome such a vivid and young force" to Yves Saint Laurent. "Anthony Vaccarello's unique style will greatly express the maison's creative signature and fashion authority, building on the brand's solid foundations and further developing it to realise its full potential."

Kering announced Slimane's departure last week confirming a rumour that had been circulating the industry for months. Vaccarello was named immediately by industry insiders as his most likely successor.

Anthony Vaccarello

The 36-year-old Belgian designer has been running his own label for six years (AW16 collection shown above) and was appointed to head up Versus a year ago, having previously been a creative consultant for the brand.

According to the New York Times his departure from Versus was announced yesterday. "While I’m sad to see him leave the Versace family, I wish Anthony Vaccarello tremendous success with his next chapter," said head of the Versace house Donatella Versace.

Vaccarello will join a distinguished line-up of creative directors at Yves Saint Laurent. Slimane succeeded Stefano Pilati when he was appointed four years ago, while Pilati had taken the reins from Tom Ford. Former Lanvin creative director Alber Elbaz also designed ready-to-wear for Yves Saint Laurent in the late 1990s while Saint Laurent himself focused on couture.

"Mr Saint Laurent is a legendary figure for his creativity, style and audacity. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the history of this extraordinary house," said Vaccarello.