Courtesy of Celine

On a usual day in the French city of Nice, the Promenade des Anglais (also known as Walkway of the English) is a bustling with locals and tourists hurrying about in the glorious sunshine. For creative director of Celine, Hedi Slimane, it served as the inspiration and backdrop to Spring/Summer 2022. Aptly dubbed Baie Des Agnes (Angel’s Bay), the show which was filmed by the designer is an ode to architecture and history.

Courtesy of Celine
Courtesy of Celine

Across a 12 minute video soundtracked to “Vitamin C” by Can, the fashion house leads viewers through an unofficial tour of the French Riveria which is known for its neo-classical movements. We’re provided with sweeping images of historic statues and glimpses of the iconic Le Negresco hotel. The famous pink dome which usually boasts its own name is replaced with “Celine”. The neighbouring Villa Masséna is also featured as is a birds-eye shot of the Astronomical Observatory.

Similarly to the venues that surrounded it, the runway was fuelled by historic House signatures, French classicism and of course Slimane’s infamous affinity with gritty sportswear and grungy denim. On one hand there was the timeless appeal of crisp tailoring and timeless accessories – Parisian chic. In a reference to our obsession with Y2K-esque style however, oversized sweat sets emblazoned in sequins, windbreakers and cargo pants were also on display. Think, neo bourgeois meets preppy college meets tomboy Americana meets minimal couture.

Courtesy of Celine
Courtesy of Celine

Initially SS22 feels far more relaxed than past collections. Throughout the film, it does however receive an elevated touch thanks to a peppering of voluminous gowns and slinky sequinned dresses. At several intervals, the runway video is interrupted with black-and-white portraits from friends of the brand including Blackpink’s Lisa, Kaia Gerber, Diana Silvers and Suzanne Lindon.

Explore the collection, below.

Courtesy of Celine
Courtesy of Celine
Courtesy of Celine
Courtesy of Celine
Courtesy of Celine
Courtesy of Celine