Photo: WWD

Yesterday, Suzy Menkes promised that Francois Henri Pinault would announced Hedi Slimane’s appointment to the house of Yves Saint Laurent this morning.  Indeed, WWD quotes the CEO of PPR’s statement: “As one of the most important French fashion houses, Yves Saint Laurent today possesses formidable potential, which I am confident will be successfully harnessed and revealed through the vision of Hedi Slimane.” The fashion world’s been trying to drag Slimane out of design retirement for years, making  his return particularly exciting.  However, as WWD points out, he’s never actually designed a women’s collection.  He oversaw men’s while at YSL and revolutionized menswear at Dior Homme.  Though he created plenty of one off suits for models and actresses, YSL’s resort collection—to be presented in June—will mark his first full collection for women. Though the article hints at one of many reasons Slimane didn’t accept the same position at Dior—”Among the sticking points was Slimane’s insistence on overhauling Dior’s extensive network of global boutiques”—it focuses on what he will do at YSL, mainly exert complete control.   Given his attention to detail at Dior Homme it’s expected he’ll have a hand in everything from advertising and store design to cosmetics and show production.  Expect YSL to be next season’s hottest ticket.