One can never expect Hedi Slimane to change. He’s carved out his own identity within the diverse and eclectic fahsion industry, and whatever house he’s designing for, he’s going to produce his own aesthetic with only a couple of twists. Such was the situation at his Fall 2019 show for Celine menswear, his official return to the field that gave him his fame back in the early 2000s. And as many people expected, his signature cool French boy skinny look was on full display here. Within a palette of navies and earth tones, each silhouette was as sleek as can be, but not to the extent of what he introduced in Dior Homme about a decade or so ago. Here, there’s much more legroom, particularly the outerwear which were mostly broad-shouldered a’la Armani. Phoebe Philo‘s minimalism was nowhere to be seen, but there was a sort of simplicity to it that was nonchalant and relatively seductive. It had youthful ease that allowed men to evoke a stand-offish aura yet allure with a distinguished sophistication. Although there was a tinge of rock’n’roll as well, the overall appeal remained refined, cool, and ultimately very French. It looks like Slimane is set to create a new fashion revolution in the menswear game, but with so many rivals from other equally big houses, will he still come out on top? Only time can tell!
Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com
