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ANTHONY VACCARELLO has been named creative director at Yves Saint Laurent with immediate effect, confirming widespread rumours that the designer would succeed Hedi Slimane at the French fashion house. Vaccarello will present his first collection for the house in October for spring/summer 2017.

Read more: Vaccarello's Versus Departure Paves Way For YSL

Earlier today it was confirmed that Vaccarello had left his role as creative director at Versus Versace, paving the way for his appointment at the Kering-owned YSL. Slimane exited the label last week after his contract was not renewed.

Read more: Versus Versace Autumn/Winter 2016 Ready-To-Wear

Much like Bouchra Jarrar, who was named new creative director of Lanvin last month, Vaccarello may be poised to press pause on his eponymous collection to focus his attentions on Yves Saint Laurent. Although a spokesperson for Kering couldn’t speak for the brand, she asserted that Vaccarello will be “fully dedicated to YSL from October onwards” – which is the same wording that Jarrar applied to news of her new role. © Getty

"I am very proud to welcome such a vivid and young force among today's creative fashion talents to Yves Saint Laurent," François-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of Kering, said in a statement this afternoon. "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. Together with the entire Yves Saint Laurent team, Anthony Vaccarello will strongly contribute to the maison's growing accomplishments."

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"Mr Saint Laurent is a legendary figure for his creativity, style and audacity," said Vaccarello as news of his appointment broke. "I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the history of this extraordinary house." As to whether he will continue his eponymous line - as he did while working at Versus - it is not yet known.

Vaccarello's departure from Versus, for which he designed collections for three years, was an amicable one, with Donatella Versace wishing him well in a statement on Monday.

"While I'm sad to see him leave the Versace family, I wish Anthony Vaccarello tremendous success with his next chapter," Versace said, adding that she is happy that the label offers something of a training ground for designers - including JW Anderson and Christopher Kane - who have helmed the label.

Read more: Slimane And Saint Laurent: What Happened?

"In each instance, their time on Versus Versace led to them making a huge advancement in their design career," she said. "I appreciated the chance to work with each of these three designers, and I enjoyed seeing what they brought to a brand I truly love. I'm proud that Versus can be such a remarkable global platform for emerging design talent."

Read more: Anthony Vaccarello Autumn/Winter 2016 Ready-To-Wear