This spring, whispers of contract renegotiations between Slimane, 56, yet still Celine’s golden “boy”, and parent company LVMH began circulating. Slimane’s Midas touch is well known. He had “transformed” various brands successfully, in succession: At Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche (1997 – 2000), Dior Homme (2000 – 2007) and Saint Laurent (2012–2016). Slimane is credited with revolutionising men’s fashion with ultra-slim, androgynous designs and Lagerfeld famously declared that Slimane’s designs motivated him to lose some seven stone in blubber, so that he could fit into Dior Homme suits. In January 2018, Slimane was named the artistic, creative, and image director of Celine, where he, once again, transformed the brand, to great commercial success.
HOW LIKELY IS HE TO GO TO CHANEL?
In general consensus, Slimane is the leading contender for the Chanel role. Rumours are circulating about Slimane’s impending departure from Celine; he had Lagerfeld’s seal of approval – you simply don’t lose seven stone for just anybody. But most importantly, Slimane has clocked the design miles and acquired the scope to head all the product categories that Chanel has.
UNUSUAL SUSPECT 4: PIER PAOLO PICCIOLI
