Rumors remain rife within the fashion industry that Hedi Slimane is set to depart Celine as creative director.
Earlier this week, it was first reported (via Business of Fashion) that Slimane is in active contract renegotiations, following the famed French fashion designer’s six-year contract with LVMH coming to an end in early 2024. Further reports (via WWD) have since suggested the powers that be at LVMH HQ may even have a successor in the form of Michael Rider, who is currently the creative force behind Polo Ralph Lauren in New York. The suspense for any formal announcements are killing us here at theFashionSpot.
Slimane joined Celine in 2018, following the departure of Phoebe Philo. Subsequent to signing on the dotted line, the fashion pack have sat back and watched Slimane transform and propel the fashion house founded in 1945 by Céline Vipiana to new heights. Revenues surpassed $2.1 billion in 2023 (a record high for the brand) and back in March, coinciding with the release of the 60s-inspired Fall 2024 collection, Celine announced a new beauty line is in the works and set to hit the market in January 2025.
Revisit the Fall 2024 Celine collection below:
Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:
“I hope he stays. All the new products introduced under him have potential. The fragrance and home line looks good and with the launch of beauty it can surely grow and it’s probably what the Arnaults would want.” [NoInvite]
“If Hedi Slimane is actually leaving there’s no chance in hell that he was fired. LVMH treats their designers very well as long as they’re making money. Celine is on fire right now. This must be a voluntary decision.” [gallianostan]
“I hope he’s just asking for more zeros, I’m not a big fan of his Celine but I can’t deny how successful the brand has become under his vision.” [fenty]
“With both WWD and BOF reporting on this, I’m starting to believe it may be more than a rumor. I wonder if Hedi has been approached by another house, a position he can’t refuse or maybe he’s (temporarily) fed up with fashion again. Perhaps he just needs a new project again…” [style_expert]
“So sad to see if he leaves. I think Hedi Slimane’s work at Celine has been excellent, great quality and very desirable. Hope he leaves on good terms. I think he should just focus on photography and doing his own thing.” [Norden]
“You know what, if he really goes, he should never come back. He has had success after success throughout his career.” [GivenchyAddict]
Share your own thoughts on Hedi Slimane’s potential departure from Celine as creative director over on theFashionSpot forums, here.
