Hedi Slimane Meets Old Celine Fans Halfway for Fall

After showing his first women’s Celine collection last season it would appear that creative director Hedi Slimane was hellbent on separating himself from Phoebe Philo’s work. But after last night’s show it looks like Slimane has met Philo fans somewhere in the middle, offering women a strong collection of wearable clothing that while not particularly mind blowing, was just down right good.

The show opened with a model descending from the ceiling in a humongous clear box. Much to everyone’s surprise she was wearing plaid culottes, a white blouse, and blazer. Her aviators, scrunchy leather boots, and beautiful printed scarf added luxe touches to the ‘70s-inspired look. A gorgeous gray pinstripe suit teamed with a cream turtleneck followed; after that a model wearing skinny jeans, a camel cape and shearling-lined thigh high wedge boots. At that point it became clear: Those expecting tight, mini dresses or black skintight suits (AKA Hedi for Saint Laurent) would have to look elsewhere. In fact, it was as if Slimane saw all the Old Celine tags on Instagram and said to himself “I’ll show them old Celine!” right down to the horse bit print on blouses, belts, and crossbody bags. But there were still touches of Slimane though out: a leather jacket here, silver sequin top there. As there should be, it’s a designers job to put their own spin on house codes.

Will this collection please former Philo fans? Who is to say. What I do know is that it will at least attract a woman who is looking for luxury pieces to wear in her everyday life, and who wouldn’t want that?