For CELINE’s latest collection, Hedi Slimane takes us back to where it all began: France. 

Since its beginnings in the 1940s, the idea of ‘French fashion’ has captivated the world. When we’re all global citizens, what gives pieces a seemingly intangible quality of ‘French’ appeal? 

With Spring/Summer 2023, Slimane showed us. 

Exploring his own roots as a pioneer of grunge, the creative director brings his early design aesthetics to the collection, fusing the spirit of early-00s ‘Indie’ with a vision fitting CELINE’s illustrious heritage. 

What Slimane reminds us of, is that ‘French fashion’ is not in a style. Nor is it in a capsule wardrobe or the perfect striped Breton. It’s in a feeling, a quality of quality that empowers the wearer, rather than speaking for them. No more do we see this than in the brand’s accessories.

 

With each piece, we see a return to the gritty glamour of hand-carry totes, reminiscent of models off-duty in the early 2000s, and ready to be worn to death—the more beaten up, the more chic. 

FOLCO CUIR TRIOMPHE IN SMOOTH CALFSKIN WITH TRIOMPHE EMBROIDERY, CELINE, SHOP NOW
AVA BAG IN DENIM WITH CELINE ALL-OVER PRINT, CELINE, SHOP NOW

 

Making a welcome comeback is the Folco Cuir Triomphe. With its versatile messenger shape, saddle stitching and smooth leather that can only get better with age, the bag epitomises the house’s timeless appeal. 

Also back, the Cabas bag: a sophisticated carry-all reimagined with a drawstring and Triomphe logo for a modern take on the hard-working classic. 

The Romy bag will be a no-brainer for most. With a sleek minimalist shoulder-length and artful slouch—no doubt thanks to supple calfskin—the luxurious shape is ‘French’ in bag form.

What Slimane makes clear in these new season accessories, is that the essence of this ineffable ‘French’ quality is established in the bones. Premium craftsmanship, thoughtful designs and the highest quality materials lend to the ‘everyday’ like no other.

BIKER JACKET IN SOFT LAMBSKIN, SHOP NOW, CHAIN SHOULDER BAG TRIOMPHE IN TRIOMPHE QUILTED SEQUINS, SHOP NOW, CELINE

 

Trends come and go, but uses for micro purses or bags made from glass are inherently limiting, and the brand’s commitment to functionality is what has set it apart for all these years. In this way, luxury is not saved for special occasions. Slimane’s approach to design is one that ensures the pieces that move us, that keep us going, that are the heroes of our day-to-day, are made to last. 

Quality is the real touchstone of French fashion. A kind of quality that welcomes anything you throw at it, and keeps its wits about it throughout the time that passes. In this way, French fashion is anyone’s for the taking. 

 

CHAIN SHOULDER BAG TRIOMPHE WITH STRASS CLOSURE IN SHINY CALFSKIN, SHOP NOW, CELINE PARIS DOUBLE NECKLACE IN BRASS WITH GOLD FINISH & CRYSTALS, SHOP NOW, FORMES ABSTRAITES CONCAVE CUFF IN BRASS, SHOP NOW, CELINE HAIR CLIP, SHOP NOW, CELINE PASTILLES BRACELET IN BRASS WITH GOLD FINISH, SHOP NOW, TRIOMPHE LINK NECKLACE IN BRASS, SHOP NOW, TRIOMPHE FRAME HAIR CLIP IN BRASS, SHOP NOW, TRIOMPHE RHINESTONE RING IN BRASS WITH GOLD FINISH & CRYSTALS, SHOP SIMILAR, GOLD TRAVEL SPRAY & REFILLS EAU DE PARFUM, SHOP NOW, PARADE EAU DE PARFUM, SHOP NOW, CELINE
MINI 16 IN SATINATED CALFSKIN, CELINE, SHOP NOW
JUDE TUX JACKET IN MOHAIR WOOL CANVAS, SHOP NOW, BLOUSE WITH DRAPED COLLAR IN MUSLIN BLOND, SHOP NOW, WESLEY JEANS IN PISMO WASH DENIM, SHOP NOW, MEDIUM TRIOMPHE FRAME BELT, SHOP SIMILAR, LARGE ROMY IN SUPPLE CALFSKIN, SHOP NOW, CELINE

Photography: Juli Balla
Fashion Direction: Aileen Marr
Fashion Assistant: Kelly Harty
Shot On Location At: The Charles Grand Brasserie & Sir Stamford, Sydney

THIS FEATURE IS PUBLISHED IN THE 13TH EDITION OF GRAZIA INTERNATIONAL. ORDER YOUR COPY HERE.

TOP BANNER IMAGE: BIKER JACKET IN SOFT LAMBSKIN (ON CHAIR), SHOP NOW, SMALL BOSTON IN TRIOMPHE CANVAS & CALFSKIN, SHOP NOW, CELINE