Hedi Slimane named Artistic, Creative and Image Director of Céline.
French photographer and fashion designer Hedi Slimane was announced as the new Artistic, Creative and Image Director of Céline luxury fashion house – part of the LVMH luxury group. The French ready-to-wear and leather luxury goods brand was founded in 1945 by Céline Vipiana. In 1987, Bernard Arnault decided to buy into Céline’s capital. However, it was only in 1996 that the brand was integrated into the LVMH group for 2.7 billion French francs ($540 million).LVMH propelled the brand to fame with the opening of a boutique at 36 avenue Montaigne in Paris.
Slimane will direct all Céline collections, extending to men’s fashion, couture and fragrances. From 2000 to 2007, Hedi Slimane held the position of creative director for Dior Homme (the menswear line of Christian Dior). From 2012 to 2016, he was the creative director for Yves Saint Laurent. He left the brand on March 31, 2016.
According to Vogue, the French-born, Italian-Tunisian designer and photographer is best known for changing the silhouette of men’s fashion to super-skinny during his time at Dior Homme. Since leaving Dior, he has worked as a photographer, famously documenting British rock star Pete Doherty and the Berlin club scene. He was also the man who prompted Karl Lagerfeld to lose almost 90 lbs in weight in order that the Chanel designer could buy his clothes.
“I am particularly happy that Hedi is back within the LVMH Group and taking the reins of our Céline Maison. He is one of the most talented designers of our time,” commented Bernard Arnault, chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LVMH. “I have been a great admirer of his work since we collaborated on Dior Homme, which he launched to global critical acclaim in the 2000s. His arrival at Céline reinforces the great ambitions that LVMH has for this Maison. Hedi will oversee and develop all creativity for both women’s and men’s fashion, but also for leather goods, accessories and fragrances. He will leverage his global vision and unique aesthetic virtuosity in further building an iconic French Maison”.
“I am delighted to join Bernard Arnault in this all-embracing and fascinating mission for Céline. I greatly look forward to returning to the exciting world of fashion and the dynamism of the ateliers,” said Hedi Slimane.
“Hedi Slimane is an exceptional designer, complete artist and passionate about his work. I am certain that he will bring his renowned creative energy and discipline to lead Céline to ever greater success,” said Sidney Toledano, Dior’s outgoing president and chief executive.
