Stefano Pilati officially stepped down from his role as creative director at Yves Saint Laurent yesterday. During his eight years at the helm of the house (preceded by four years assisting YSL’s previous designer, Tom Ford), he’s produced a rich body of work. His very first collection — a decidedly un-Ford lineup of girlish, ruffly silhouettes for spring 2005 — was widely panned, but had a great long-term impact: He’s now credited for single-handedly starting the tulip skirt trend in the mid-aughts. He’s had a wild ride since then, alternately gaining accolades and condemnation from critics and, if rumors are to be believed, barely holding on to his job at times. His last collection for YSL will walk in Paris on Monday. There’s no word yet on what he’ll do next; meanwhile, former YSL menswear designer Hedi Slimane is expected to take his place. Enjoy a comprehensive look back on Pilati’s many seasons of YSL womenswear collections in our slideshow.
Related: Stefano Pilati Out at YSL