YSL

>> It's official. Yves Saint Laurent has named Hedi Slimane its new creative director, effective immediately. In a statement released earlier today, the company said that Slimane will "assume total creative responsibility" at the house, but will also continue to pursue his career in photography. "Hedi Slimane's exceptional talent and understanding of the spirit of Yves Saint Laurent heralds a promising new chapter in the story of the maison," CEO Paul Deneve said. Slimane's first outing for the label will be the Resort collection, presented in June.

The sentiment was echoed by PPR Chairman and CEO François-Henri Pinault. "As one of the most important French fashion houses, Yves Saint Laurent today possesses formidable potential, which I am confident will be successfully harnessed and revealed through the vision of Hedi Slimane."

Slimane replaces Stefano Pilati, whose contract with the house ended Monday after a successful — if sometimes rocky — eight years.

As an esthetician friend once explained, "Serums are like vitamins for the skin." And while that may be the case, for Yves Saint Laurent Beaute, they're more like the Fountain of Youth. The luxury brand has just come out with a new line of antiaging products, including the Forever Youth Liberator Serum ($150 to $200) that use synthetic saccharides to stimulate the skin's regeneration. (Editor's note: YSL's serum was sent to us by Neiman Marcus for review.)

Once applied using the perfect-amount-every-time dropper, you'll love the way this serum sinks luxuriously into the skin. The complexion is instantly brightened and plumped. After several uses, the face feels more smoothed out and even, but not tight or tacky. Perfumed skincare haters beware, though. This serum, while not overly strong in scent, still contains that perfumed essence many high-end department store brands possess. And unlike other premoisturizers of its ilk, Forever Youth is not sticky, won't cause pilling, and doesn't leave an oily residue on skin. But is it worth the price tag? If you have the cash to spend and are looking for a bit of luxury, then yes. The Fountain of Youth may not actually exist, per se, but today's technology might just be bringing us closer.

>> The designer shakeups continue: YSL has announced the departure of creative director Stefano Pilati.

"We are all at Yves Saint Laurent grateful to Stefano for his important achievements in advancing the mission and success of this historic and treasured fashion house," YSL's CEO, Paul Deneve, said in a statement.

Pilati has been head designer at YSL since 2004. His Fall 2012 collection, which will be shown in Paris on March 5, will be his last outing for the label.

Despite Pilati's somewhat turbulent tenure at YSL, the label has shown marked growth under Pilati's leadership, especially in accessories. "Pilati has been instrumental in the rebuilding and repositioning of an iconic French luxury brand. Under Stefano’s guiding vision and artistic direction, the house has become a contemporary reference in high fashion," the statement acknowledged.

YSL has declined to comment on who will replace Pilati at the creative helm. However, several sources this past weekend — including WWD — have reported that former Dior Homme designer, Heidi Slimane, is poised to take over.

"I wish the maison Yves Saint Laurent and its new creative director the very best for the future," Pilati told WWD. “I exit the house with fierce conviction in all that we have achieved and deep gratitude to those who have supported me along the way. "

Kim Kardashian loves sexy wear, but while leaving a friend's house in Beverly Hills, she showed off her more sophisticated side, which we hope to see more of. She started off by pairing a white silk blouse with navy jeggings and sky-high YSL pumps. We adore Kim's quilted Chanel bag and Hermes belt, but are particularly taken with her vintage-meets-mod Elizabeth and James zigzag jacket, which injects a touch of posh to her sleek look. Rock this at your next lunch meeting, or for a more downtown feel, try a vibrant top and sleek booties.

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Beyoncé Knowles headed into her office in NYC looking chic — as usual — in a diamond Wildfox sweater and black jeggings. She added a pop of flair to her casual ensemble with a cobalt bag and leopard-print Yves Saint Laurent pumps. Vintage-inspired sunglasses and classic hoop earrings finished off her strolling style. Shop now to get her exact sweater with other similar items.

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In a recent interview with XOJane, Kourtney Kardashian revealed her favorite lip color, Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture in 13: Le Orange ($30), and talked about how much she covets it. "The orange-y red color that I always wear is YSL, and it’s so crazy now because I always say what it is," Kourtney told interviewer Cat Marnell. "When I go to buy it, it's always sold out! Just that color; they have every other shade. I’m like, 'Can you like send me some free lipstick because I’m selling you out.' And they are like, 'Oh sorry, we are sold out, we can't get you any unless you buy thirty' and I’m like who in their lifetime?"

We love her lip color, but what struck us about the quote is that Kourtney, a multimillionaire, is dreaming of lipstick swag. It was a real "Stars: they're just like us!" moment. Clearly, no matter how much money you make, the best things in life are still free.