Even before Karl Lagerfeld subtly showcased a glam-rock sequin jacket by Hedi Slimane for Saint Laurent at Chanel’s cruise show in Havana, Cuba, rumors had been swirling. These speculations, now seeming much more plausible, suggested that Slimane was designing a men’s line for Chanel — the brand’s first — and would eventually take over Lagerfeld’s position upon his retirement. All with Lagerfeld’s approval, of course. It has been reported that Slimane is already hard at work, diving into Chanel’s archives for research. In a current interview with Vogue Hommes International, Lagerfeld appears to predict this transition. “He revitalized the brand,” Lagerfeld says of Slimane’s unconventional approach at Saint Laurent. “His shows were perhaps extreme, but the clothes were excellent. The brand needed a change, and he was smart enough to realize that. While a few journalists may have been puzzled, the sales soared. This proves that press criticism is irrelevant.” Lagerfeld continues, “I really admire him. He’s a wonderful person privately. There are few people I hold in such high regard. The clothes Hedi designed at Dior inspired me to lose weight. When something interests me, I can achieve anything.”