Everything
In the fashion world, where spectacle often reigns supreme, the unexpected cancellation of Celine Homme’s Spring/Summer 2024 Men’s show in Paris, set for July 2023, made waves. Amidst Paris’s unrest following a police incident, Hedi Slimane, the creative force behind the Celine, faced a pivotal moment. Rather than letting the circumstances overshadow his vision, Slimane transformed this obstacle into an opportunity, releasing the collection as a captivating short film.
This move was quintessentially Slimane, known for his ability to meld the worlds of art, music, and fashion into a cohesive narrative. His journey with Celine Homme has been marked by a distinct aesthetic that nods to his early 2000s influence — a period when he documented a burgeoning New York art scene, engaging with artists like Dan Colen and Dash Snow. This artistic thread was evident in his earlier exhibitions, such as “Sweet Bird of Youth” and “Young American,” and continues to weave through his work at Celine Homme.
The Delusional Daydream collection, now immortalised in film, is a testament to Slimane’s resilient creativity. It pays homage to a revived New York music scene, specifically the rhythm of LCD Soundsystem’s 2005 album. The collection merges this modern beat with historical echoes, drawing inspiration from the French 17th-century court aesthetics and Slimane’s signature early 2000s sleek, monochromatic silhouettes.
True to form, Slimane’s collection features his trademark skinny black ties, reinvented low-rise pants, and couture bustiers adorned with satin bows, reminiscent of Pierre Mignard’s royal portraits. These elements, combined with the exclusive fabrics crafted on old looms, underscore Slimane’s dedication to artisanal craftsmanship.
In this short film, Slimane not only showcases his latest collection but also narrates a story of adaptability and artistic integrity. It’s a vivid reminder that in the world of fashion, creativity often thrives in the face of adversity, and that the essence of a collection can transcend the traditional runway to find expression in new, innovative formats.
