Slimane Faces Outrage For Radical Celine Redesign
PARIS: French designer Hedi Slimane unveiled his first collection for Celine on Friday in Paris, marking one of the most highly anticipated moments on the Fashion Week calendar.
However, instead of earning widespread praise for his takeover of the LVMH brand, Slimane faced immediate criticism from fashion fans, who described the debut collection as “narcissistic,” “tone-deaf,” and a “big f*** you to women.”
Much of the backlash stems from the contrast with former creative director Phoebe Philo, whose decade-long tenure at Celine established the brand as a champion of the female gaze in fashion. Philo’s designs emphasized minimalism, clean lines, and clothes created for women who dressed for themselves, rather than for external approval.
Slimane’s reinterpretation of Celine, including his decision to drop the accent from the brand name — echoing his earlier approach at Yves Saint Laurent signaled a dramatic shift in the label’s aesthetic. Critics say his gender-bending take failed to capture the spirit of inclusivity and empowerment that had become synonymous with the brand.
Social media reactions were swift, with many users expressing disappointment even before the show concluded. Some commentators also noted the timing of the Paris runway event coinciding with the Kavanaugh hearings in Washington, amplifying perceptions of insensitivity.
“One person tweeted, ‘I’m sorry to tweet about fashion right now, but it’s just too perfect that Hedi Slimane’s first collection for Céline is, predictably, a giant f***-you to women who love Céline,’” according to reports.
As Slimane attempts to chart a new direction for Celine, the backlash highlights the challenges of succeeding a beloved designer whose influence on modern fashion remains widely celebrated.
