After the official announcement of Phoebe Philo leaving Céline, French ready-to-wear and leather goods brand, Céline finally revealed his successor which took the fashion industry by surprise. Céline appointed Hedi Slimane, fashion designer and photographer, as Artistic, Creative and Image Director and Hedi is set to join Céline in February.
It was simultaneously announced that Hedi Slimane will be introducing a menswear line, as well as broadening the range of products, which will be unveiled during Paris Fashion Week in September.
Hedi Slimane worked as menswear creative director for Dior Homme, European luxury goods brand, singlehandedly popularizing the skinny silhouette in menswear between 2000 and 2007. He eventually became creative director for Yves Saint Laurent, Paris high-end fashion house, from 2012 to 2016 and in his first three years doubled annual sales revenue to €707 million. However, the designer suddenly exited the brand in March 2016.
“I am particularly happy that Hedi is back within the LVMH Group and taking the reins of our Céline Maison,” said LVMH chairman and chief executive Bernard Arnault in a statement. “He is one of the most talented designers of our time. 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.”
Other notable figures within the fashion industry also expressed their delight, with Karl Lagerfeld adding, “I am enchanted, what a great choice.”