After seven years of faithful service at luxury label Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier has decided to step down from the position as artistic director of the brand. And without anything being announced, it is understood that it is with the wish to focus more closely on the Haute Couture and Ready-to-Wear brand carrying the designer’s own name.
(In which Hermès possesses 45 per cent stake)

“Hermès is deeply grateful to Jean Paul Gaultier for his outstanding creative contribution during these seven years”, the house said today in a statement.

It has already been confirmed that his replacement will be the French designer and creative director of the Lacoste brand since 2000, Christophe Lemaire, who is expected to concentrate on the position full-time.

Jean- Paul Gaultier, who took over from Martin Margiela, when he was appointed artistic director of Hermès in 2003, will leave after the label’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection is presented in October during Paris Fashion Week.

The house plans to open or renovate twenty stores the future year.

©modemonline