Hedi Sues Saint Laurent Owner

Hedi Slimane has launched legal proceedings against Saint Laurent owners Kering, two months after his exit as creative director of the French fashion house.

The dispute concerns the non-compete clause in his contract with the house which Kering lifted when he departed, reportsReuters, meaning that Slimane was permitted to work for other fashion brands with immediate effect. Slimane, however, wants the commonly applied clause (which, while hindering work on creative projects that could be seen as a conflict of interest, financially looks after former employees) reinstated.

"Kering lifted this clause at the end of Hedi Slimane's contract, thus freeing Hedi Slimane from this potential constraint," the company said in a statement. "Hedi Slimane is requesting that this clause be applied still, along with the effective payment of the financial compensation that goes with it."

The conglomerate - which appointed Anthony Vaccarello as Slimane's successor in April - stressed in its statement that the lawsuit did not take away from Slimane's achievements at the brand.

"This disagreement does not alter the group's recognition for Hedi Slimane's contribution, who, together with the Yves Saint Laurent team, has reformed the maison, during his four-year tenure as creative and image director of Saint Laurent."