Hedi Slimane has stepped down as artistic director at Celine, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional growth and establishing the brand as an iconic French couture house in the two years since his appointment in 2018. Part of the LVMH luxury goods group, Celine praised Slimane for his creative vision and reinstating the brand’s “feminine and Parisian roots”. The announcement has sparked speculation that Slimane may be in the running to fill the void left by Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel, along with other potential candidates like Simon Porte Jacquemus.
Slimane’s career in fashion has been filled with notable accomplishments, including being the first designer of men’s collections to receive the prestigious International Designer accolade from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2002. He has worked at Yves Saint Laurent and Dior Homme before returning to Saint Laurent in 2012 as creative director. In 2018, he made the move to Celine, replacing Phoebe Philo and bringing a fresh, rock’n’roll spirit to the brand’s aesthetic.
Known for his signature slim trousers and narrow black jacket, Slimane is considered one of the most influential designers in men’s fashion. He has a background in photography, which he has devoted himself to during his breaks from the fashion industry. Despite some initial backlash to his new direction at Celine, Slimane’s bold choices and innovative designs have solidified his reputation as a visionary in the industry.
Chanel, another iconic French fashion house, is seeking a new artistic director following the departure of Virginie Viard in June. Speculations about potential candidates to fill this prestigious role have included Hedi Slimane, Simon Porte Jacquemus, Tom Ford, John Galliano, and Carine Roitfeld. It remains to be seen who will ultimately take on the creative helm at Chanel and continue the brand’s legacy of innovation and elegance.
Michael Rider, who previously worked at Celine before joining Balenciaga, will be succeeding Slimane as the new artistic director. During his tenure at Celine, Slimane shook up the traditional bourgeois look with a modern, edgy aesthetic that garnered both praise and criticism. Known for his attention to detail and obsession with fit, Slimane’s influence on fashion is undeniable, and his departure from Celine marks the end of an era for the brand.
In the world of high fashion, artistic directors play a crucial role in shaping the identity of a brand and driving its creative direction. Hedi Slimane’s departure from Celine and the subsequent speculation about his potential move to Chanel have sparked intrigue and excitement in the industry. As the fashion world eagerly awaits the announcement of Chanel’s new artistic director, the legacy of Slimane’s tenure at Celine will continue to be felt in the world of luxury fashion.
