Yves Saint Laurent creative head Slimane quits

Designer Hedi Slimane -- the man credited with creating the skinny jeans look -- quit the French fashion label Yves Saint Laurent Friday after four years at the brand.

His departure was announced in a brief statement by YSL's parent group Kering which paid tribute to the way "he has brought back its utmost modernity and fashion authority."

Los Angeles-based Slimane's exit has been long predicted, with clear signs for some time that all was not well despite his legion of celebrity fans and rocketing profits.

The 47-year-old Parisian was accused by some of denigrating the hallowed legacy of the label's founder Yves Saint Laurent with his grungy rock star chic inspired by the American west coast music scene.

Others, however, praised him for invigorating the brand which had been in danger of stagnating.

Kering chief executive Francois-Henri Pinault paid tribute to the designer. "(What) Yves Saint Laurent has achieved over the past four years represents a unique chapter in the history of the House".

"I am very grateful to Hedi Slimane, and the whole Yves Saint Laurent team, for having set the path... which will grant longevity to this legendary brand."

Profits have skyrocketed since Slimane has been in charge, with revenue doubling as he gave the haute couture brand a street style edge.

"At the end of a four-year mission, which has led to the complete repositioning of the brand, the Maison Yves Saint Laurent announces the departure of Hedi Slimane as its Creative and Image Director," Kering said in a statement.

"A new creative organisation for the House will be communicated in due course."

"Since March 2012, under the creative helm of Hedi Slimane, the House has enjoyed a holistic reform that has brought back its utmost modernity and fashion authority, while keeping alive and respecting the original vision of Mr Saint Laurent.

"This repositioning has granted a new life and a new story to one of the most important French Couture Houses, with undisputed success."

There was no reaction as yet Friday from Slimane's own label or on his social media accounts.