Are YSL and Gucci related? This is a question that has been asked by many fashion enthusiasts over the years. The answer is not as straightforward as one might think.
Firstly, it is important to note that both YSL (Yves Saint Laurent) and Gucci are luxury fashion brands with a rich history and loyal customer base. YSL was founded by the French designer Yves Saint Laurent in 1961, while Gucci was established by Italian businessman Guccio Gucci in 1921.
Now, to answer the question at hand – Is YSL owned by Gucci? The short answer is no, YSL is not owned by Gucci. However, there is a connection between the two brands.
In 1999, Gucci Group (now known as Kering) acquired a majority stake in YSL. This meant that although YSL was not owned entirely by Gucci, it was under its umbrella of brands. The move was part of a larger strategy by then-Gucci CEO Domenico De Sole and Creative Director Tom Ford to expand the company’s portfolio and strengthen its presence in the luxury market.
Under the ownership of Gucci Group, YSL underwent significant changes. In 2002, Tom Ford took over as Creative Director of the brand and helped revamp its image with bold designs and innovative campaigns. However, after Ford’s departure from the company in 2004, YSL struggled to maintain its momentum.
In 2012, Kering announced that Hedi Slimane would take over as Creative Director of YSL. Slimane’s appointment brought a renewed energy to the brand and he quickly became known for his rock-and-roll-inspired designs. Under his leadership, YSL experienced significant growth and became one of Kering’s top-performing brands.
In 2016, Slimane left YSL and was replaced by Anthony Vaccarello. Since then, the brand has continued to thrive and is known for its edgy, yet sophisticated designs.
In conclusion, while YSL is not owned by Gucci, there is a connection between the two brands. YSL was under the ownership of Gucci Group for several years and during that time, the brand underwent significant changes. Today, YSL is recognized as one of the leading luxury fashion brands in the world with a rich history and loyal following.