Hedi Slimane's Departure from Celine Marks the End of an Era
After a seven-year tenure that saw him reshape the iconic French fashion house, Hedi Slimane has confirmed his departure from Celine. The announcement comes just days after the unveiling of his Spring/Summer 2025 womenswear collection, signaling the conclusion of a transformative period that combined subcultural influences with the heights of Parisian savoir-faire.
A Visionary's Legacy: Hedi Slimane's Reign at Celine
Redefining the Celine Aesthetic
Hedi Slimane's arrival at Celine in 2018, following the departure of Phoebe Philo, marked a significant shift in the brand's direction. One of his first acts was to drop the 'é' from the house's name, a move that set the tone for his tenure. Slimane's vision for Celine combined the brand's rich heritage with his own distinctive style, which drew heavily from subcultural influences and the world of rock and roll.Under Slimane's creative and artistic direction, Celine experienced exceptional growth, establishing itself as an iconic French couture house. The designer's comprehensive approach to the brand's offerings, spanning clothing, accessories, haute parfumerie, and even beauty, solidified Celine's position as a true fashion powerhouse.
Slimane's tenure at Celine was marked by a departure from the traditional fashion week schedule. Instead of showcasing his collections as part of Paris Fashion Week, the designer opted for off-schedule shows or collection films that he personally directed. This unconventional approach allowed him to present his vision in a more immersive and impactful manner.One such example was the blockbuster A/W 2023 show held in Los Angeles, titled "The Age of Indieness." This event, which drew inspiration from the indie and electro scenes of the 2000s, further cemented Slimane's ability to blend Celine's heritage with his own unique aesthetic.
Reviving the Triomphe Legacy
Slimane's tenure at Celine also saw the revival of the house's iconic Triomphe logo, which is said to be based on the railings surrounding Paris' Arc de Triomphe. This distinctive symbol, first introduced in the 1970s, now adorns a wide range of Celine's designs, from handbags and sunglasses to jewelry and even the brand's signature monogrammed canvas.The Triomphe logo has become a hallmark of Slimane's Celine, serving as a tangible connection to the brand's rich history while also reflecting the designer's own creative vision. In the brand's Paris headquarters, the Triomphe motif has even been incorporated into the distribution of candy and mints, further cementing its presence within the Celine universe.
Harnessing the Power of Music
Music has been an integral part of Hedi Slimane's runway shows at Celine, with the designer collaborating with a diverse range of artists, from LCD Soundsystem to Suicide. This fusion of fashion and music has been a hallmark of Slimane's approach, reflecting his own deep-rooted passion for the arts and his ability to seamlessly integrate different creative disciplines.The designer's love of rock and roll has also been evident in his collections, which have often drawn inspiration from the subcultures and aesthetics of the music world. This synergy between fashion and music has been a key component of Slimane's vision for Celine, further solidifying the brand's position as a cultural touchstone.
A Lasting Impact: Slimane's Legacy at Celine
Hedi Slimane's departure from Celine marks the end of a transformative era for the French fashion house. Under his creative and artistic direction, the brand has experienced exceptional growth, establishing itself as an iconic couture house that seamlessly blends its rich heritage with Slimane's singular vision.From the revival of the Triomphe logo to the unconventional runway presentations and the integration of music, Slimane's tenure has left an indelible mark on Celine. As the brand prepares to unveil its next chapter, the industry and fashion enthusiasts alike eagerly await the announcement of Slimane's successor, curious to see how the house will continue to evolve and captivate audiences in the years to come.
