K-Pop Fans React to Hedi Slimane Leaving Celine: “A Perfect Choice for Taehyung”

On Wednesday, October 2, renowned French photographer and fashion designer Hedi Slimane, associated with luxury fashion brand Celine, reportedly parted ways with the brand after serving as its Art Director and photographer for seven years.

Hedi Slimane gained recognition for his exceptional photography skills, particularly for capturing the essence of BTS member Taehyung, the ambassador for Celine. The two were known for their close friendship and were often seen posing together at various events.

Some notable photoshoots that Hedi conducted with BTS’ Taehyung include the January issue of Harper’s Bazaar Korea, Celine’s catalog shoot released in November 2023, and the March 2023 issue of Elle Magazine. Consequently, Hedi Slimane’s departure from Celine has left many K-pop fans and ARMYs feeling saddened.

In light of the announcement, Taehyung shared an Instagram story featuring images from Hedi Slimane’s final collection for Celine, titled Un Été Français. While many fans viewed this as a simple praise of the collection and its photography, others interpreted it as an homage to Hedi on his exit.

Regardless, numerous fans expressed their sorrow over Hedi Slimane’s departure from Celine and the impactful way he captured BTS’ Taehyung over the past two years. Here are some fan reactions:

“I think working with Hedi was one of Tae’s dreams, and we know his whole solo era was about keeping promises and making dreams come true. Hedi’s Celine was a perfect choice for Taehyung, and I’m grateful to him!”

“From admiring Hedi’s work to being photographed by him is quite a journey for Taehyung, and I’m glad he was able to work with Hedi,”- said a fan on X

“Does Taehyung already know? And did he share it on his IG story as a farewell to Hedi?”- added another fan

“CELINE by Hedi Slimane will always hold a special place in my heart,”- stated an X user

Discussions among netizens have revolved around Hedi Slimane’s departure, raising questions about whether Taehyung will continue his role as a Celine ambassador with the new Art Director.

“It feels like TaeTae made that post suddenly…. I think he knew Hedi (his bestie) was leaving Celine,”- commented a netizen

“No, but Tae loves Hedi’s innovative styles quite a lot,”- added another netizen

“We just have to wait; we don’t know if Taehyung will leave Celine too or stay with the new creative director… we also don’t know when his contract expires,”- stated an X user

“I wonder if Taehyung will remain after the duration of his agreement with the brand ends,”- commented another X user

Essential Insights on Hedi Slimane’s Departure from Celine

Hedi Slimane is a prominent French photographer and art director who began his fashion industry journey in 2000. He served as the creative director for Dior Homme from 2000 to 2007 before becoming the creative director at Yves Saint Laurent from 2012 to 2016.

In February 2018, he took on the roles of creative, artistic, and image director at Celine, continuing until his recent exit in October 2024. He will be succeeded by Michael Rider, an American designer, previously the director at Polo Ralph Lauren until May 2024.

With a decade of experience as the design director of ready-to-wear at Celine under Phoebe Philo, Rider’s new creative director duties at Celine will commence in Paris next year. In contrast, Hedi Slimane left a significant mark on Celine during his seven-year tenure, achieving remarkable commercial success and increasing the brand’s revenue to over double its initial figures. His final collection for Summer 2025, titled Un Été Français, is characterized by a focus on 1960s silhouettes.

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