On April 24, the fashion world was rocked by the news that Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) broke: Celine and its creative director, Hedi Slimane, are parting ways after a highly influential and successful seven-year collaboration. This marks the end of a significant chapter for both the luxury fashion house and Slimane, a designer known for his transformative influence on fashion, especially in the realms of menswear and tailoring. During his tenure at Celine, Hedi Slimane solidified his legacy, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
The most talked about contender to succeed Hedi Slimane is Michael Rider and it was declared by Celine on its official SM account on X
MICHAEL RIDER NAMED ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF CELINE pic.twitter.com/HJInnnZFoT
— CELINE (@celineofficial) October 2, 2024
Hedi Slimane: The Game Changer in Fashion
Slimane’s entry into Celine in 2018 was met with both excitement and skepticism. Having previously redefined menswear at Dior Homme and later transforming Yves Saint Laurent, where he dropped the “Yves” to create the more modern Saint Laurent, Slimane was known for pushing boundaries. His signature style — slim, sharp tailoring, rebellious rockstar energy, and a nostalgic yet modern aesthetic — had already revolutionized men’s fashion for over a decade by the time he arrived at Celine.
When Slimane took over at Celine, expectations were high. His decision to overhaul the brand’s image was bold, as he replaced Phoebe Philo’s minimalist, understated luxury with a more youthful, androgynous, and often grunge-inspired vibe. While his departure from the traditional Celine DNA polarized critics, Hedi Slimane managed to create an unmistakable identity for the brand in the crowded luxury market.
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Slimane’s Impact at Celine
From the moment Hedi Slimane took the reins, he set out to reshape Celine in his own image. His debut collection in 2018 shocked the fashion world. Gone were the relaxed, modernist lines that had defined Celine for years. Instead, Slimane brought with him the sharp tailoring and rock ‘n’ roll edge that had become synonymous with his work at Saint Laurent.
He reintroduced skinny silhouettes, retro-inspired leather jackets, and glittering eveningwear, drawing inspiration from both 1970s Parisian cool and contemporary youth culture. His work at Celine, much like his previous roles, was defined by its strong visual identity and its embrace of cultural nostalgia.
Some of Slimane’s most significant contributions to Celine included:
- Gender-Neutral Fashion: Slimane blurred the lines between men’s and women’s fashion at Celine. His collections often featured tailored suits, biker jackets, and slim-cut trousers that transcended traditional gender norms, allowing the brand to appeal to a broader, more diverse audience.
- Celine Homme: Perhaps one of his most lasting impacts was his formal introduction of a dedicated menswear line, Celine Homme. This marked Celine’s entry into the world of men’s fashion in a way that was true to Slimane’s aesthetic. His menswear collections featured the same razor-sharp tailoring, bold silhouettes, and effortless cool that had cemented his reputation in the industry.
- Youth Appeal: Slimane’s Celine became a favorite among younger audiences and celebrities. The brand’s updated, edgier look, which featured leather, sequins, and slim suiting, attracted younger fashion enthusiasts and A-listers alike, from Timothée Chalamet to Lady Gaga.
- Vintage Rock Vibes: Slimane is known for drawing inspiration from music, particularly rock and punk, and that was no different at Celine. His collections frequently paid homage to the counterculture movements of the 1970s and 1980s, incorporating distressed denim, statement boots, and vintage leather.
- Collaborations and Campaigns: Under Slimane’s direction, Celine’s ad campaigns became iconic. Known for working with top photographers and featuring a mix of young actors, models, and musicians, Slimane’s campaigns for Celine reflected his vision of youthful, modern luxury.
The Evolution of Menswear
Slimane’s influence on men’s fashion cannot be overstated. Long before he joined Celine, he had already revolutionized men’s tailoring. His time at Dior Homme in the early 2000s marked a major shift in menswear. Slimane introduced a slimmer silhouette — sharply tailored, with narrow lapels and fitted trousers — which had a lasting impact on fashion. His approach to tailoring was fresh, edgy, and more accessible to a younger audience, leading to a wave of “skinny suit” trends that dominated the runways and high streets for years.
At Saint Laurent, Slimane took this vision further, infusing his designs with rockstar glamour, often inspired by figures like Mick Jagger and David Bowie. His ability to fuse music, youth culture, and fashion into a cohesive vision not only resonated with audiences but influenced designers across the industry.
Slimane’s tenure at Celine was no different. He continued to push boundaries, redefining what menswear could look like within a luxury fashion house known primarily for its women’s collections. His sharp, almost rebellious aesthetic has left a lasting mark on contemporary tailoring and menswear.
What’s Next for Celine and Slimane?
As Hedi Slimane exits Celine, the fashion world is left wondering what’s next for both parties. For Celine, the departure of Slimane signals a potential new chapter. Given the brand’s history of transformation under different creative directors, it will be fascinating to see what direction it takes under new leadership. Will Celine return to its minimalist roots, or continue to explore the edgy, youthful path set by Slimane?
