Celine Homme Winter 2024
Prepare to be taken on a journey through time and sound with Celine’s Homme Winter 2024 collection, named “Symphonie Fantastique” after Hector Berlioz’s iconic psychedelic composition. This runway show, presented in a video format, is a visual and auditory symphony of Hedi Slimane’s narrative within the French Maison, blending decades of artistic and fashion influences. The breathtaking Mojave Desert serves as the setting for this spectacular display. While cinema has showcased deserts in films like “Dune: Part Two” and “Furiosa,” in fashion, it’s Slimane making bold moves, and we are captivated.
Celine’s latest menswear collection takes its cue from 19th-century composer Hector Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique,” a groundbreaking piece that is considered the first psychedelic symphony, preceding the 1960s hippie era by over a century. Slimane’s connection to this work began at eleven, and its romantic and dramatic essence continues to inspire his creations, forming the foundation of his newest collection.
With such a rich and intricate source of inspiration, the setting had to be equally grand. The Mojave Desert in California transforms into an extraordinary stage with deserted highways, rolling hills, and wind turbines, providing an epic backdrop for the collection. The film begins with a striking scene: a fleet of Celine-branded helicopters landing on a desert highway, delivering a unique Celine x Cadillac jukebox. This sets the mood for the entire show, combining luxurious rock and roll rebellion, a hallmark of Slimane’s style.
The collection features forty-three looks, including twelve cutting-edge couture pieces, marking a return to sophisticated tailoring. Expect sharp silhouettes reminiscent of 1960s fashion infused with the spirit of 19th-century Anglomania. Frock coats, three-button suits, and embroidered waistcoats take center stage, crafted from opulent materials such as silk, cashmere, and vicuña. The color palette contrasts bold matte black with the shimmer of satin and lacquered finishes, showcasing Slimane’s distinctive touch.
The video seamlessly merges the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert with the lively streets of Los Angeles, creating a timeless setting. This blend is mirrored in the collection’s accompanying photography series, which features a young cowboy, Brayden Liberio, dressed in genuine riding attire alongside his loyal horse, a nine-year-old named Frijole. The series, titled “California Teen Cowboy Hedi Slimane,” spans from 2013 to 2024, highlighting the enduring appeal of the cowboy spirit.
