After a hiatus from the fashion scene, Hedi Slimane is back in the limelight. The designer, who once was the force behind Dior Homme, is taking over the reins at Céline as the brand's artistic, creative and image director. Saying that the news was a pleasant surprise for members of the fashion world is a huge understatement. First of all, who could have known that the House of Céline, currently known for its feminine, understated elegant designs, would appoint a creative director with a contrasting style?
Hedi Slimane is perhaps best known for recreating the male silhouette with the 'Skinny'. Something so iconic that even those who have never heard of Hedi's name surely have worn at least two pants inspired by this style. Rumor has it that Karl Lagerfeld went on a diet just so he could fit into one of Hedi Slimane's creations.
All throughout his career, Hedi's aesthetic has been established as the cool kid uniform with strong elements of rocker chic. So what does this mean for Céline's prevailing sophisticated style, pioneered by Phoebe Philo? We can only look at the past to predict what's coming for the brand.