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Hedi Slimane’s exit from Celine marks the end of a bold, divisive chapter for the French luxury house. Since taking over as creative director in 2018, Slimane dramatically reshaped Celine’s identity, steering it away from the understated elegance of his predecessor, Phoebe Philo, into a rebellious, rock-infused aesthetic. His vision was instantly recognizable—lean, sharp, and unapologetically influenced by youth subcultures. From the controversial logo change to his collections that blurred the line between high fashion and underground edge, Slimane’s impact on Celine was nothing short of transformative.
Victor Soto, CC BY 2.0
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Under his leadership, Celine became a brand synonymous with Slimane’s signature style: sleek tailoring, leather, and an almost cinematic take on nostalgia for indie rock and youth rebellion. His work wasn’t just about creating luxury pieces—it was about crafting a narrative that merged music, culture, and fashion in a way that felt both personal and aspirational. Slimane’s Celine catered to a new generation of fashion enthusiasts who were drawn to the brand’s raw, gender-fluid edge, while still maintaining an air of exclusivity and high craftsmanship.
Now that Slimane has stepped away, the future of Celine is uncertain. The brand’s identity has been thoroughly redefined during his tenure, attracting a younger, edgier audience. Many are speculating whether Celine will return to the minimalist sophistication of its Philo era, or if it will continue on the path Slimane carved. Regardless of what comes next, his influence on both Celine and the broader fashion world will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint.