Hedi Slimane Exits LVMH’s Celine

Fashion powerhouse Hedi Slimane has parted ways with LVMH’s Celine, marking the latest high-profile departure to rock the fashion industry.

Slimane has a five-year run at Celine which was marked by his signature edgy-chic beauty, which revitalized the brand’s French bourgeois vibe for a younger audience.

He also introduced menswear, fragrances, and makeup, driving revenue to reportedly over 2 billion euros.

He is also known for the skinny silhouettes that he offered when he was at Dior Homme and Kering’s (PRTP.PA); opens a new tab for Yves Saint Laurent, famously inspiring Karl Lagerfeld to be slim down to fit into his Dior designs.

LVMH has named Michael Rider as Slimane’s successor. Rider, who will start his new job early next year, worked alongside former Celine designer Phoebe Philo at Celine for over a decade, the Reuters reports.

In January, at LVMH’s annual results presentation, CEO Bernard Arnault said that Celine was enjoying “great success” thanks to Slimane, and topping 2 billion euros in sales, the report added.

Meanwhile, industry experts rumor that slowing sales and “brand fatigue” in China are factors contributing to Slimane’s exit. With luxury goods growth stagnating, creative directors are under pressure to deliver.