Campaign Influences- Hedi Slimane

HEDI SLIMANE

Introducing myself to the Creative Direction of Hedi Slimane allowed me to revisit the rebellious side of my persona. The French born, Italian-Tunisian fashion designer is known for disrupting the fashion industry, causing conversations to flair as a reaction to his work ethics. Slimane has youth culture running through the veins of his grunge collections, associating an urban, music influence throughout. He currently holds the reigns of Celine, injecting an androgynous appeal through skinny silhouettes and sartorial references reverting back to the 1970’s glam rock subculture consistently. I admire how Hedi Slimane is unafraid of perception, something I am starting to learn from. He blurs the attitudes towards gender and produces collections so both genders exist comfortably in the clothing. He quotes “I’d like men to think about evolving into something more sophisticated, more seductive. To explore the possibility of an entirely new masculinity” (Slimane, n/d). Throughout my projects, I have attempted to break down stereotypical notions associated with masculinity, continuing to investigate how designers are reinterpreting their visions to suit upcoming generations demanding androgynous tastes. For me, there are no definitions to what menswear and womenswear should be. Slimane encircles this, taking inspiration from David Bowie, Joan Jett and Marc Bolan and directing them currently at a Millennial and Generation Z market. Slimane thinks ahead of the curve, he provides collections which youth will want, not what is desired in trends today. His work is a statement and voice for changing society and its norms.

How can more traditional, contemporary brands stuck in their notions of heritage and craftsmanship, transcend, and take influence from Hedi Slimane’s actions? How can they establish a voice and be recognised by Generation Alpha?