Hedi Slimane will debut his first Yves Saint Laurent collection to buyers only.

The French designer - who was named as the French fashion house's new creative director in March, replacing Stefano Pilati - has invited buyers to see his spring menswear and women's cruise collections in late June/early July. However, the public will have to wait until September for the launch of his womenswear Spring/Summer 2013 range at a catwalk show during Paris Fashion Week.

Paul Deneve, chief executive officers of Yves Saint Laurent, recently said Hedi's appointment is the start of a "promising new chapter" in the history of the company, but Pierre Berge, a former partner of YSL, has warned the designer has his work cut out at the fashion house. "It's a great problem, very complicated, to recreate the work of a genius. Like trying to rewrite Faulkner. To put your stamp on the name of Yves Saint Laurent requires someone who has talent, conviction, rigor, a demanding nature and a great sense of colour," he explained.

While recognising Hedi faces a massive challenge, Pierre believes the designer can "preserve the genius" of the company: "He is a man of talent who can preserve the genius and legacy of Yves Saint Laurent."