Hedi Slimane for Céline

At a time when fashion houses are shifting posts with a need for change to reflect the times, this particular recent shift was not expected. The audacious, creative polymath Hedi Slimane is to be the next creative director for the house of Celine, taking over Phoboe Philo’s position.

It is an unusual decision that LVMH, the luxury group that owns Céline has made, considering the previous Celine collections, the woman that Philo has designed for, is one of eloquence. The pieces were valuable, empowering, reflecting the times. If not for men, then for the women who purchased the pieces, and have coveted them.

With the shift in positions, what are we to expect from Slimane; A more regal woman, a provocative one or maybe both? The press, A-list celebrities, and industry experts raved over his collections for the house of Saint Laurent. And he was appreciated for bringing change. Changing the houses name from Yves Saint Laurent, to Saint Laurent, encompassing the brand towards modernisation, as well as moving the brands aesthetic towards a youthful, and more electric form.

Being placed within a brand that’s mature and of a certain niche, can we expect that change to take a counter effect, on the designer himself? Could we expect Slimane to display a new form of enthusiastic commitment? As always, only time will tell…

We at Habibti along with the industry, look forward to viewing Slimane’s first collection for Celine.