Hedi Slimane Sues Kering

Hedi Slimane Sues Kering

Only two months since his departure from Yves Saint Laurent, the former creative director Hedi Slimane is now suing the parent company Kering over competition clauses in his contract. But, against the general expectation, this suit is not brought due to a desire to be released from such clauses, but rather a desire to have them reinstated – along with whatever financial remuneration would accompany them.

Kering released a press statement on the issue, stating that, “The procedure regards the usual non-competition obligations that accompanied Hedi Slimane’s collaboration with the Yves Saint Laurent Maison. Kering lifted this clause at the end of Hedi Slimane’s contract, thus freeing Hedi Slimane from this potential constraint. Hedi Slimane is requesting that this clause be applied still, along with the effective payment of the financial compensation that goes with it.”

Kering’s release of Slimane from the non-competition clauses in his contract prior to his departure leaves him open to work for other high-end luxury brands like, for example, Chanel. According to Reuters, the primary reporters for this story, Kering stated that, “the disagreement does not alter the group’s recognition for Slimane’s contribution, who it said has reformed the fashion house during his four-year tenure as creative director.”

While not without reason, Slimane’s decision to sue over the clauses being dropped when his work for Yves Saint Laurent ended is confusing – especially amidst rumors of his potential to take over from Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel. With continuous changes in creative and directorial power in the fashion world over the past year or so, this suit adds a further layer to the interesting shifts in the industry. Further updates on this story will follow as it evolves.

Hedi Slimane Sues Kering