Gaultier to step down from Hermes

Since heading up the fashion house, Jean Paul, who's own label is partly owned by Hermes as well, has breathed new life into the luxury label, with the current A/W2009 collection of plush wartime era inspired leather bombers, fur collared coats, 1940s dresses and Kelly bags, one of the his most accomplished yet.

There is, as yet, no word from Jean Paul or Hermes on why the enfant terrible of French fashion is stepping down, nothing on what Jean Paul's next move might be, nor who might take the Hermes helm, but we're sure Jean Paul, famous for his stage collaborations with Madonna, and more recently Kylie, has something in the pipeline, and all will probably be revealed at Paris Fashion Week.