If you're a designer and don't want fashion folk to start talking, don't miss your own party it seems. This is perhaps what someone should have told Stefano Pilati this week as he's been the centre of a round of speculation regarding his position at YSL after he failed to attend the Metropolitan Opera Gala this week.
According to Daily Front Row, many have speculated that his absence was the result of the bosses at the brand feeling disatisfied with his work over te last few seasons. To make matters worse, the site alleges that during Paris Fashion Week retailers expressed their concern that although the brand's accessories sell well, their ready-to-wear line is struggling. The fact that the brand is a big sponsor of the event only intensified speculation that the bosses are already in the midst of searching for a replacement.
However, the brand's spokeswoman was quick to quash rumours: "He was busy with current work on the collection as well as the advertising campaign," she told the site. YSL CEO Valérie Hermann was quick to protect him and continue the rumour control at a recent dinner: “Finally, Stefano Pilati, YSL’s creative director, has asked me to convey how sorry he is not to be able to join us tonight, and sends his very best wishes from Paris, where he is busy with the coming collection, “ she said. “Somebody still has to work in this company.”
But as The Cut points out, considering the lacklustre response to his last few collections for the house, is it a surprise that he's swapping parties for the drawing board?
