Under the creative direction of Hedi Slimane, Celine made a bold statement with their recent menswear show held at the historic Parisian nightclub Palace. In a nod to the vibrant 1980s era, the show brought back the spirit of the party scene with its edgy and retro-inspired designs.
Taking place between the menswear and haute couture fashion weeks in January, the show stood out from the rest with its unique format. While Gucci and Saint Laurent, also owned by Kering and competitors of LVMH’s Celine, chose traditional fashion weeks in Milan and Paris, Slimane went for something different. Following virtual shows in castles and last year’s show at the Palais de Tokyo, he transformed the Palace into a fashion spectacle.
The choice of the Palace as the venue holds special significance for Slimane. It was a nightclub that he frequented from a young age and even celebrated his 50th birthday there in 2018. The club has a rich history of hosting star-studded parties attended by icons such as Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, Prince, Andy Warhol, Serge Gainsbourg, and Mick Jagger.
The front row of the show was adorned with an array of celebrities including Jane Birkin, Catherine Deneuve, Chiara Mastroianni, and Pete Doherty with his dog. K-Pop star Lisa of Blackpink and US rocker Jack White also made appearances, adding to the star power of the event. French actor Romain Duris and his partner, Olivia Bonamy, were also present. The show’s soundtrack, provided by the New York band Suicide, set the stage for a truly immersive experience.
The collection itself focused on black skinny leather trousers as its centerpiece. These were paired with sporty jackets, wide-shouldered formal jackets, tweed or cashmere overcoats, and slim-cut, slightly flared suit trousers. Throughout the menswear collection, there were also women’s looks designed for a night of clubbing, including short, sheer black dresses and dazzling longer ones.
The show came to a close with an exuberant after-party, bringing everyone together in a joyful atmosphere. Celine’s decision to revive the 1980s party mood at the Palace not only showcased Slimane’s creative vision but also solidified his influence as one of the world’s most influential designers.
Useful links:
1. Celine Official Website
2. Palais de Tokyo Official Website
