He’s wiped clean Celine’s old Instagram feed, introduced a new aesthetic that panders to his well-documented love for youth, music and rock stars, and cemented a new code of lean tailoring for the brand. So when it comes to accessories — undoubtedly any fashion brand’s cash cow — just how does Hedi Slimane revolutionise things at Celine?
Judging from the first peek at the accessories collection that the brand is dropping for the Spring ’19 season at its The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands boutique on Nov 12, the answer is that things are looking less revolutionary and, more akin to an evolution. The drop for the Spring ’19 season (AKA Resort ’19 for other brands) is strictly confined to just bags, eyewear and jewellery.
The entire outing builds on what the brand’s accessories have always been known for — practically chic styles. The difference, however, lies in the erstwhile intellectual-slash-artistic slant of the designs. In its place are a decidedly European flair and strong vintage overtones.
The 16 top handle bag — the design that Lady Gaga made viral when she was papped toting it before Slimane’s runway debut for Celine — comes with an elegant architecture that pays homage to the house’s archival designs from the ’60s. The results? Details like the cropped flap and rounded belted effects. Another bag style heavily influenced by Celine’s archives is the C flap bag which takes inspiration from the ’70s for its C-embossed closure.
When it comes to jewellery, the running theme for Spring seems to be the use of industrial chain hardware which extends to bracelets, necklaces and earrings. It’s here, that Slimane couldn’t resist adding a wicked twist: some pieces come with risque motifs of handcuffs on the clasps.
