In a shocking announcement this past Sunday, LVMH announced that Hedi Slimane will join Céline starting Feb. 1 this year. The designer will be the director of artistic, creative and image, and he will expand the LVMH label’s offering into menswear, couture and fragrance. The first collection he will show for the brand will be in September during Paris Fashion Week. Slimane will be taking over for Phoebe Philo, who announced she would be leaving the brand after its Autumn 2018 presentation in March. Bernard Arnault, LVMH chairman and chief executive, commented in a statement:
“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. 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.”
Slimane has worked with Dior Homme, who he brought back to life both in 2000 and 2007. He left the brand to launch his own label, before which he worked with Saint Laurent.
“I am delighted to join Bernard Arnault in this all-embracing and fascinating mission for Céline,” Slimane said. “I greatly look forward to returning to the exciting world of fashion and the dynamism of the ateliers.”
“Hedi Slimane is an exceptional designer, complete artist and passionate about his work,” Sidney Toledano, the man who made Dior a powerhouse for over 20 years, said. “I am certain that he will bring his renowned creative energy and discipline to lead Céline to ever greater success.”
