Just as the excitement–and chaos–of fashion month was coming to an end, CELINE surprised the world with the announcement earlier today that Creative, Artistic, and Image Director of CELINE, Hedi Slimane, is leaving the luxury French house.

Slimane, who had served in this role since January 2018, ushered in radical change at CELINE, notably by changing the brand’s logo and starkly transitioning away from the more contemporary collections that marked former creative director, Phoebe Philo’s, reign. In a statement released by the LVMH-backed brand, CELINE “has experienced exceptional growth and established itself as an iconic French couture house.”

Continuing on, the house’s “holistic vision of Hedi Slimane, his exigence and rigour have made it possible to redefine the codes of CELINE whilst reaffirming its feminine and Parisian Roots. He has also remarkably enriched new territories for the maison such as the men’s silhouette, couture, and haute parfumerie.”

With a storied career, having served as creative director for Dior Homme from 2000-2007, followed by his appointment at Saint Laurent from 2012-2016 then to the house of CELINE, much of Slimane’s leadership has been marked by his desire to reinvent the style codes wherever he goes—notably seen during his reign at Saint Laurent when the brand dropped “Yves” from its name and took up design residency in Los Angeles.

The news of his departure comes just days after CELINE debuted its Spring/Summer 2025 collection via a charming show video, on September 29th during Paris Fashion Week. The show video, which was directed by Slimane himself, highlighted an ultra-feminine, 1960s world of babydoll dresses, bows, and satin blouses. With no official comment from Slimane himself, one can’t help but wonder what’s next for the fashion veteran. At the rate things are going, we’re sure all will be revealed very soon.