Hedi Slimane, creative director of Celine, brought the Winter 2023 collection to the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles, one of the city’s iconic landmarks. The instantly recognizable art deco-style movie institution has hosted artists such as Prince, the Rolling Stones, and many other authors who helped shape rock music, event’s background atmosphere. On Thursday, December 8th, the theater’s interior turned into the French fashion house’s runway show, which, amidst opulent murals, decorative tiles and a breathtaking ceiling, featured a series of garments that evoke Hollywood glitz and glamour which perfectly suited the location. Slimane for this runway show transformed the brand’s classic rock aesthetic into an indie sleaze style, reclaimed from the 1990s and early 2000s, naming the collection itself Age of Indieness. Staying totally true to skinny pants, black leather, bangs, miniskirts, and western boots, Celine transforms boho style with sequins and rhinestones making indie luxurious more than ever. Riding boots, brown hats and bags, and a leather belts in sight become the stars of the show’s opening along with classic skinny jeans, an iconic garment of the next season. Hedi Slimane presents a wardrobe for everyone, helped by the background soundtrack of “Hello Operator” by The White Stripes. The creative director captures the zeitgeist of an highly recognizable aesthetic through garments such as faux fur jackets, cardigans with gold trim and buttons, and strictly men’s leather jackets.
“The stage was just like the street. There was a candid feeling of togetherness.”
Slimane’s devotion to music is evident in the entire défilé: soft ties worn over white shirts and paired with plaid coats introduce a British indie rock aesthetic, while the red blazer with gold detailing appears in the collection as a tribute to Freddy Mercury. For an entirely rockstar-inspired look, shimmering elements with silver edges, gold lame dresses and sheer tops with ruffles and bow ties are presented. The timeless black suit is updated with pointed shoulders and high-heeled black leather boots, contrasted with leather bomber jackets and cigarette pants for a more preppy style. Hedi Slimane for Celine’s Fall Winter 2023 collection presents what he loves with charming and rebellious taste, revisiting elements with the unmistakable character of the French house.
“Stagewear was my introduction to men’s fashion, through album covers. I would never have had a particular attraction to fashion per se if it wasn’t for the costumes.”
