Slimane takes over at YSL. [fashion.]

“The most beautiful clothes a woman can wear are the arms of the man she loves.”

– Yves Saint Laurent

This week, YSL named Hedi Slimane the new creative director, putting an end to rumors and speculation about the direction and future of the French fashion house. Slimane replace Stefano Pilati, who held the position since 2004 and showed his final collection for the house Monday at Paris Fashion Week.

Image of Hedi Slimane from Forbes.com

Slimane was the men’s wear director for YSL from 1996 – 2000. Following his short stint at YSL, Slimane took over as the creative director for menswear at Christian Dior, where his designs launched Dior Homme. In 2007, Slimane returned to his work as a fashion and portrait photographer, which he has focused on ever since.

By bringing Slimane to YSL, the house hopes to completely transform its image and collections for the future. “Hedi Slimane’s exceptional talent and understanding of the spirit of Yves Saint Laurent heralds a promising new chapter in the story of the maison,” said Paul Deneve, Yves Saint Laurent CEO, according to an article on Forbes.com.

Best of luck to Hedi Slimane – I look forward to so many new and great things out of my favorite fashion house in the coming seasons. 

Love is in the air. [fashion.]

As we move into the later half of fashion week, there are still tons of designers yet to show their unique and inspired collections, not the least of which includes Michael Kors and Anna Sui. But this Valentine’s Day, the trends continue to pour in, as the A/W ’12 collections from Vera Wag and Rodarte hit the catwalk in dazzling, yet simplistic fashion.

NYFW Day 6:

Vera Wang – Does she ever disappoint? No, and this season is no exception. From provocative underwear through sheer as outerwear and form-fitting silhouettes, this collection was all about feminine chic and elegance at its finest – or as the designer herself described it to the AP, “the female form revealed by smoky transparencies that allow a glimpse of skin and of delicate lingerie not meant to be hidden, but seen.” With an ornate Indian and Egyptian feel, this collection featured lots of chiffon and drapery in muted tones, with occasional splashes of lilac and a toned-down aqua. Elaborate collars and hoods and wedge suede boots showed that sometimes accessorizing really can complete the outfit, and once again faux fur as an addition took the catwalk by storm. Thank you, Vera Wang, for never letting us down.

Look from the A/W '12 Vera Wang collection via newsobserver.com

Rodarte – Well the big news has broken – Rodarte is launching its first mono-branded shoe line this week at NYFW and the critics are raving. With stripes and bold colors, the A/W ’12 line is also making a splash on the catwalk. Polka dot prints and winter florals were just the start to a wide range of eclectic and fun prints that the label has to offer for the coming season. And with clients as famous as Dakota Fanning and Natalie Portman, there must be something magical about this line that’s only just beginning to make its mark on the fashion industry. Look for more daring and exciting things from Rodarte in seasons to come!

Look from the A/W '12 Rodarte collection via Style.com