LVMH Confirms Departure of Celine Creative Director Hedi Slimane
Early Wednesday morning, the fashion world was rocked by the news that Hedi Slimane would be stepping down from his role as creative director at Celine. After seven years at the helm of the French luxury house, Slimane’s departure was confirmed by LVMH, the parent company of Celine.
From Dior Homme to Celine: A Look at Slimane’s Career
Before joining Celine, Slimane made a name for himself at Dior Homme and Saint Laurent. His unique vision and edgy designs quickly gained him a cult following in the fashion industry.
Celine Credits Slimane for Exceptional Growth
In a statement provided to WWD, Celine praised Slimane for his contributions to the brand’s success. Under his leadership, the brand experienced exceptional growth and solidified its position as an iconic French couture house.
Introducing Celine’s New Creative Director: Michael Rider
In a surprising turn of events, Celine announced the appointment of Michael Rider as their new creative director. Rider, who previously served as creative director at Polo Ralph Lauren, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the brand.
Slimane’s Impact on Celine’s Revenue and Branding
According to Business of Fashion, Slimane’s tenure at Celine saw a doubling of the brand’s revenue to €2.5B EUR, a record-breaking milestone in its history. He also spearheaded rebranding initiatives, such as dropping the accent mark and “Paris” from the brand’s name.
Rumors of Slimane’s Departure Have Been Swirling Since 2024
Speculation about Slimane’s potential departure has been circulating since early 2024, with sources reporting “thorny” contract negotiations between him and LVMH. The news of his exit comes just a week after he presented Celine’s SS25 show in Paris.
