We finally have an answer, or part of one. Following months of speculation, today it was announced that Hedi Slimane has indeed departed Saint Laurent. The reason? Simple: mission accomplished, as we reported in October. No drama or questions of pace, just a graceful bowing out following two swan-song collection, his men’s show at the Palladium in L.A. and his more recent women’s show in the new couture house that Slimane had built.

“What Yves Saint Laurent has achieved over the past four years represents a unique chapter in the history of the house,” said François-Henri Pinault, chairman and chief executive officer of Kering (parent of Saint Laurent), in a joint statement. “I am very grateful to Hedi Slimane, and the whole Yves Saint Laurent team, for having set the path that the house has successfully embraced, and which will grant longevity to this legendary brand.”

His replacement is thought to be Anthony Vaccarello, while Slimane will not likely take a similar position at another house, despite rumors of his poaching by Dior .