Christophe Lemaire
Designer Christophe Lemaire is leaving his role at Hermès to work on his eponymous fashion label. Getty

Top designer Christophe Lemaire has resigned as Hermès's artistic director of womenswear.

The fashion icon, who succeeded Jean Paul Gaultier in 2010, is departing the French label to focus on his own eponymous brand.

Announcing his exit, Lemaire - who is credited for revamping Hermès to help increase demand from buyers - described his time at the helm as "profoundly enriching".

"Working for Hermès has been a great pleasure, a profoundly enriching experience on both a human and professional level," said Lemaire.

"I am proud of what we have built together. My own label is growing in an important way and I now really want and need to dedicate myself to it fully."

Although a replacement is yet to be confirmed, Hermès CEO Axel Dumas said the company was grateful to have worked with Lemaire, who addressed and enriched the expression of the fashion house.

"Under his artistic direction, the métier has renewed its aesthetic and produced very satisfactory financial results," said Dumas. "I wish him the greatest success with his own label, which is so close to his heart."

Lemaire is expected to show his final collection for the spring/summer 2015 presentation during Paris Fashion Week in September.