Celine, the French fashion house led by creative director Hedi Slimane, has unveiled its summer 2024 women’s collection in a film titled “Tomboy”. The film, which was shot inside Paris’s Bibliothèque Nationale Richelieu (BNF), showcases Slimane’s vision of a modern and confident woman who draws inspiration from the rich cultural and literary heritage of France.
A Historic Setting for a Contemporary Collection
The BNF, which is located just across the street from Celine’s headquarters, is one of the oldest cultural institutions in France. It has housed the French Royal Collection of texts since the Middle Ages and boasts a collection of over 14 million books, manuscripts, prints, maps, coins, medals, and music scores. The library’s ornate architecture and majestic halls provide a striking contrast to Slimane’s sleek and edgy designs.
The film, which was visualized and directed by Slimane himself, features models such as singer Stella Rose and actress Esther-Rose McGregor walking through the library’s corridors, reading rooms, and galleries while wearing pieces from the collection. The soundtrack is an extended version of LCD Soundsystem’s “Too Much Love”, which adds to the cool and rebellious vibe of the film.
A Mix of Androgyny, Elegance, and Attitude
The collection, aptly named “Tomboy”, is an exploration of Slimane’s signature characters: sexy, cool, and smart women with androgynous bends who are not afraid to express themselves through their style choices. The collection reflects their day-to-day worlds: where they are going, where they have been, what they are listening to.
The collection features a mix of casual and sophisticated pieces that can be easily mixed and matched for different occasions. There are metallic mini dresses and distressed biker jackets for a night out; low-slung jeans and track pants with shearling ankle boots for a casual stroll; button-down shirts and leather pants for a chic flight; tweed jackets and cropped logo tees for a laid-back office look.
Slimane also incorporates some literary references into the collection, such as a copy of The Stranger by Albert Camus or a T-shirt with the slogan “L’Étranger” (The Outsider) on it. These nods to French literature suggest that Slimane’s tomboys are not only stylish but also well-read and cultured.
Accessories That Make a Statement
As always, Slimane pays attention to the details and accessories that complete his looks. The collection features front-flap shoulder bags, namely the new Victoire bag with a chain strap; lug-soled combat boots; baseball hats; sunglasses; belts; earrings; necklaces; bracelets; rings; and watches.
One of the most notable accessories is Slimane’s new leather headphones stamped with the Celine Triomphe motif, which mark a new collaboration with audio brand Master & Dynamic. These headphones are not only functional but also fashionable, as they add an extra touch of personality and flair to Slimane’s tomboys.
With his summer 2024 collection, Slimane once again proves his ability to create clothes that are both timeless and timely, both classic and contemporary, both elegant and edgy. His tomboys are women who are not defined by labels or stereotypes, but by their own sense of self and style.
