Hedi Slimane is one of the most influential and innovative fashion designers of today. He is known for his radical renewal of men’s fashion, which he shaped with an androgynous and slim silhouette. He is also a renowned artist and photographer who captures youth culture and the rock music scene in his work.
Slimane was born in Paris on July 5, 1968. His parents were of Tunisian and Italian origin. He became interested in fashion and photography at an early age and studied art history at the École du Louvre. After graduating, he worked as an assistant for fashion designer Jean-Jacques Picart, who introduced him to fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.
In 1996, Slimane was appointed head designer for Yves Saint Laurent’s men’s collection. He created a new look for the brand inspired by the London mod and punk movements. He used narrow suits, narrow ties and narrow shirts that contrasted with the wide and loose cuts of the time. He influenced many other designers and stars like David Bowie, Mick Jagger and Brad Pitt with this.
In 2000, Slimane moved to Dior Homme, where he continued to develop his vision of menswear. He made the brand one of the most sought-after and influential in the industry. He collaborated with artists such as Gus Van Sant, David Lynch and Brian Eno, and created iconic campaigns with photographers such as Nan Goldin, Juergen Teller and Karl Lagerfeld. He also designed stage outfits for bands such as “The Libertines”, “The Strokes” and “Daft Punk”.
In 2007, Slimane left Dior Homme to pursue his artistic career. He moved to Los Angeles and began a series of photo projects, which he published under the title “Rock Diary”. He portrayed young musicians, models and artists in their natural environment. He exhibited his photos in renowned galleries such as Almine Rech Gallery in Paris.
In 2012 Slimane returned to fashion and was appointed creative director of Yves Saint Laurent. He changed the name of the brand to Saint Laurent Paris and moved the design studio to Los Angeles. He introduced a new style influenced by the California rock and grunge scene. He combined leather jackets, jeans, T-shirts and boots with glamorous dresses, tuxedo jackets and feathers. He caused controversy with his skinny models, his provocative campaigns and his departure from the tradition of the house.
In 2016, Slimane left Saint Laurent Paris and was named creative director of Céline in 2018. He expanded the brand’s offerings to include menswear, couture and fragrance. He kept his signature rock-chic look, but also added elements of sportswear, disco and boho styles. He collaborated again with famous photographers like Steven Meisel.
Hedi Slimane is a designer who has always challenged and changed fashion. He has created a distinctive style that is admired and copied by many. He is also an artist who expresses his passion for music and photography in his works. He is a man who revolutionized fashion
