[Squizree]

I'm sad, just when Pilati was starting to give us some excitement, but this might be good for YSL. Pilati was often to over-analytical for YSL, his collections tended to be over-calculated, which isn't really something I'd associate with the feminine energy of Yves Saint Laurent.
They're announcing the new designer on my birthday

[TianSoFine]

It's sad how all of my favourites are going out one by one. McQueen, Galliano, now Pilati. Now, I can only cross my fingers that Alber and Karl stick to Lanvin and Chanel for a bit longer.

[haydn]

assuming hedi does take over, the menswear will be a smooth transition after what pilati did last season (which was his strongest for menswear in recent memory). it's a shame he didn't produce collections like that earlier.

[Crying Diamonds]

Quote:

Today we announce the departure of Creative Director Stefano Pilati, who since 2004 has stood at the creative helm of the house. Please join us in saluting him for his extraordinary work and his determination in forwarding the awe-inspiring heritage of Monsieur Saint Laurent. Stefano’s final fashion show – Fall/Winter 2012-2013 womenswear – will take place next Monday, March 5, 2012 in Paris. We invite you to check-in with us in the coming days for more details.

- Yves Saint Laurent's official facebook page.
facebook.com/ysl

I'm so sad, I can't believe it will be his last show on Monday.

[Mutterlein]

All signs point to Hedi. He's the only reason why they would let Pilati go, especially since the company has been performing well under him. Same goes for Raf, Jil coming back would have been the only reason to replace him.

Pilati, in my mind, would be a great fit at Ferre or, when Mr. Armani decides to take a step back, at Giorgio Armani. He's been really designing more like those guys than St. Laurent to be honest. Either way, both designers are talented and I hope they each find a good place to design their best.

[Vitamine W]

^Pilati at Ferré would be a match made in heaven. This once so glorious house is already struggling with their aestetics for several seasons. I hope Giorgio continues another decade, cannot see anyone is his footsteps yet...

[t-rex]

I wonder if he left on his own or was pushed out. I would like to see him at Dior.

[Not Plain Jane]

^ Maybe he had 7 (or 8? ) year itch? I didn't realize it had been that long since he had taken over as creative head - since 2004. Anyhow, wishing him the best going forward. He has considerable talent; the question is where will it be channeled now?

[geriknowsbest4]

I can't believe they're planning on replacing him, he's genius I really liked what he has done so far with the brand so I refuse to believe this hahah.

[Pricciao]

he wants to take a break anyway, I'm kind of glad he can stick on this place that long. these days were really wonderful, thanks a lot to him.

[shutterbug]

I think he would do amazing things with Armani. That's still a long way away though. I've always looked forward to his sophisticated shows. I hope his break isn't too long.

[Phuel]

I always find it so strange when people comment how "sad" it is when a designer leaves or is let go at a prestigious house... I know it's more of an expression, much in the way "brilliant" is thrown around, but it's not like any one of them will be impoverished now, or led to their execution. They'll continue working.

I'm always more excited about the musical-chair status of designers and makers-and-shakers in the fashion world. Fashion should be about keeping things unexpected, new, and experimental alongside the traditional, secured and classic. And all this shaking going on now is tremendously interesting, not so much for the drama, but for what's to come.

And yes-- Stefano at Armani would be everything. Armani hasn't been glorious for a very long time-- from time to time, there are glimpses of that Armani-grandeur and elegance, particularly in his women's A/W 2009-10 collection; very Catherine Deneuve in "The Hunger" vibe-- very exquisite. I can see Stefano bringing that vibe to Armani, but more aggressively.

I think Stefano's superbly talented, but no designer has been able to do Ferre justice. Ferre was exceptional in his approach to dressing women. I think it takes age to acquire what he did; the restraint, the form, the opulence and the beauty.

[TianCouture]

I think Stefano should start his own womens line...maybe we're getting to a point where these older houses become less important and designers like Raf and Stefano start the own womans line. We need NEW YSL's and Dior's doing their own thing, not working for someone...

[Spike413]

I'm probably in the minority, but I'm thrilled at the idea of somebody new coming into YSL. It needs a jolt of something, an infusion of something really fresh. I certainly wouldn't call Pilati a bad designer, I don't honestly think he was the best that YSL could do, either, particularly not these last few years.

I wish him well, and frankly, I think he'd make a great successor to Armani come the day that one is needed, but this could the beginning of something really great for Saint Laurent.

[liberty33r1b]

FORMER YSL DESIGNER STEFANO PILATI LANDS JOB IN MILAN
by Rebecca Cope / 4 September 2012

Quote:

Former YSL creative director, Stefano Pilati, who exited his job in March, has reportedly landed a high profile position in Milan according to reports. An announcement regarding the designer’s new position is expected as soon as this week, before Milan Fashion Week kicks off on 19 September. According to WWD, the designer is being taken on by the Zegna Group, home of the luxury menswear label Ermenegildo Zegna, and who also manufactured some of the menswear for YSL whilst Stefano was at the helm. If he is making the move into menswear, it wouldn't be a surprise. During his 8-year tenure at YSL, Stefano had experience designing both the menswear and womenswear collections. Upon leaving YSL, he was replaced with former Dior Homme designer Hedi Slimane, who will debut his first collection for the brand this season on 1 October.

harpersbazaar.co.uk