Could Hedi Slimane be looking for an investor to back his namesake fashion house? The designer, who earlier this month parted ways with Saint Laurent after a four-year tenure, was recently spotted at the Mayhoola for Investments offices in Doha. It is understood the Qatari-based fund is eyeing a further growth of its luxury and fashion portfolio. According to a market source, the designer, who heated up the storied French house under the Kering umbrella, may have discussed funding of his own line with Mayhoola. After his first stint at Yves Saint Laurent, from which he resigned in 2000, Slimane pursued exclusive negotiations with the brand’s parent, then known as Gucci Group, for the launch of a label under his own moniker, but eventually signed on with Dior. He exited that brand in 2007 and pursued a photography and art career before returning to fashion in 2012 at the creative helm of YSL, which he rechristened Saint Laurent, overhauling the label from his home base in Los Angeles. Mayhoola already controls Valentino and Italian men’s wear brand Pal Zileri and has a stake in accessories label Anya Hindmarch. According to Les Echos, Mayhoola is also looking at the Balmain dossier. The source speculated that a potential arrival of Slimane at either Balmain or Valentino was less likely. The brands continue to gain momentum under the lead of, respectively, Olivier Rousteing, and duo Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli.