Celine, the renowned French fashion house led by Hedi Slimane, recently hosted a captivating show in Los Angeles at the historic Wiltern Theater on December 8th. The venue, which has been a staple of the city since 1913, provided the perfect backdrop for the presentation of Celine’s Winter 2023 collection.
Located in the vibrant Koreatown neighborhood, the Wiltern Theater welcomed guests with an invitation and a bracelet, immersing them in the world of Celine. The turquoise exterior of the theater is well-known, and it has hosted numerous legendary performers throughout its long history, including Prince, James Brown, and Madonna.
Stepping into the theater’s lobby, attendees were enveloped in a stylish atmosphere. The air was filled with the rich scent of luxurious leather, and guests sipped champagne through straws while sporting bold black lipstick and classic studded leather jackets. The fashion-forward crowd showcased an impressive array of Celine-inspired outfits, exuding a polished rock style.
The front rows of the show were graced by the presence of local hero Austin Butler, known for his role as Elvis in the biopic, and the stunning Kaia Berger, as well as the illustrious Crawford family. Rapper Kid Cudi was also in attendance. The excitement and anticipation were palpable as everyone eagerly awaited the start of the 20-minute show, which kicked off with the energetic track “Hello Operator” by the White Stripes.
True to Celine’s signature aesthetic, the collection showcased a harmonious blend of Parisian elegance and West Coast inspiration. The models strutted down the runway wearing skinny jeans, leather jackets, Fedora hats, and leather or fringed boots. The collection also featured faux fur, trench coats, red velvet jumpsuits, and capes, perfectly accessorized with Celine’s iconic bags and black glasses.
Notably, the collection also included menswear pieces, reflecting Hedi Slimane’s fundamental style principles. The male models sported black skinny jeans paired with three-quarter-length coats, loose ties, leather jackets, and boots. Gold and silver lamé jackets added a touch of glamour to the overall aesthetic. Rhinestones and sequins took center stage in the third part of the collection, adorning mini-skirts, suits, coats, and dazzling costumes.
The grand finale of the show featured a parade of stunning summer dresses, including long black satin or printed gowns. A stand-out moment was a sublime black tuxedo for women, worn with a large bow tie. The culmination of the presentation showcased a group of 13 models strutting down the runway in gold and silver lamé evening dresses, paying homage to the golden age of Hollywood and California’s sun-soaked allure.
Once the show concluded, guests were invited back to the lobby where they indulged in Celine-logo-shaped French fries and pizzas. For those seeking a glamorous post-show experience, the basement was transformed into a dazzling gold bar, where attendees enjoyed drinks while Hedi Slimane’s star-studded guests took to the stage. The lineup was exceptional, featuring the indomitable Iggy Pop, who celebrated his 75th birthday with an electrifying performance, followed by The Strokes, Interpol, and The Kills.
As the night went on, the Wiltern Theater continued to pulse with energy and excitement. A mixture of sweat, cigarettes, and firecrackers filled the air, accompanied by the lingering scent of black lipstick. The party was a resounding success, a testament to the creative vision of Hedi Slimane.
Bravo, indeed.
Useful links:
1. Official Celine Website
2. The Wiltern Theater Official Website
