Unveiled yesterday through a captivating video presentation, Hedi Slimane's "La Collection de L’Arc de Triomphe" for Celine embarks on a profound journey back to the brand's zenith in the 1960s, a time when Celine became synonymous with timeless elegance and sophistication. This collection is a tribute to Celine's rich heritage, particularly inspired by Celine Vipiana's serendipitous discovery in 1971 at Place de l'Etoile. Amid an unexpected stop, Vipiana was inspired by the chain link surrounding the Arc de Triomphe, leading to the creation of Celine's iconic monogram. Slimane, since his inception as the head of Celine in 2018, has reinterpreted this emblem with a modernist flair, naming it “Triomphe”—a motif that has continuously found its way into the house’s collections, encapsulating the essence and enduring legacy of Celine.
This pivotal collection also marks the debut of Celine Beauté, symbolizing the maison's first venture into cosmetics. Drawing inspiration from its haute parfumerie collection introduced in 2019, Celine Beauté unveils "La Peau Nue" natural rose lipstick as part of the forthcoming "Le Rouge Celine" line, anticipated for release in 2025. The premier satin lipstick shade, "Rouge Triomphe," set for a grand debut this autumn, enriches the brand's luxurious repertoire.
Dedicating "La Collection de L’Arc de Triomphe" to Richard Avedon, Slimane's close friend and mentor, infuses the collection with emotional depth. This homage reflects Slimane's ability to intertwine personal stories with the brand's evolution, celebrating the influences that have shaped his creative vision.
Presented against the historic Art Deco settings of Paris, such as La Salle Pleyel and Le Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the collection reawakens the allure of Celine's 1960s era. Through "La Collection de L’Arc de Triomphe," Hedi Slimane not only revisits the brand's foundational moments and motifs but also propels Celine into a new era, blending historical reverence with contemporary innovation.
As we observe Slimane's redefinition of the Celine woman, she transitions into an edgier, more demure figure who values relaxation without sacrificing the classic elegance's symmetry and shapes. The Winter Collection finds a balance between this modern sensibility and traditional elegance. Featuring miniskirts, box jackets, pearl chokers, and patent chunky Mary Janes, the models exude sophistication, revitalizing what defined the movement in the 1960s. The inclusion of boxy jackets and leopard print further highlights the sixties fashion revolution's significant influence on today's runway, with fashion titans like Dior, Gucci, and Celine reimagining this era within the modern fashion dynamic.
This collection stands as a celebration of the timeless influence of the 1960s on fashion, seamlessly integrating historical references with today's trends, ensuring the Celine legacy flourishes under Slimane's guidance.
Words Maria Ugrinovski