“Was a perfect choice for Taehyung"— K-pop fans in disbelief over Hedi Slimane’s departure from Celine

On Wednesday, October 2, the French photographer and couturier Hedi Slimane housed under Celine reportedly parted ways with the luxury fashion brand. He served a total of seven years as the brand's Art Director and photographer.

He was also recognized as a photographer who perfectly captured the essence and aesthetics of BTS' Taehyung, who stands as the luxury fashion brand's ambassador. The two were known for their close friendship with each other as they posed together at several events.

Some of the photoshoots that Hedi photographed the BTS member include the Harper's Bazaar Korea issue in January, Celine's catalog shoot that was released in November 2023, and the Elle Magazine issue in March 2023. Therefore, when Hedi Slimane's departure from Celine was announced, many K-pop fans and ARMYs were saddened by the same.

Following the announcement, the idol uploaded an Instagram story including pictures of Hedi Slimane's latest and last collection for Celine called, Un Été Français. While many think that the idol was simply appreciating the collection and how it was photographed, people also believe that he was indirectly paying an ode to Hedi upon his departure.

Regardless, many fans began to express how they would miss Hedi Slimane from Celine and the way he captured BTS' Taehyung over the last two years. Here are a few fan reactions to the same:

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

"From admiring Hedi's work to getting clicked by Hedi 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 he shared it on his ig story for the last time for hedi?"- added another fan

"CELINE by hedi slimane you will always have a special place in my heart,"- stated an X user

More netizens discussed Hedi Slimane's departure and also questioned whether Taehyung would continue his contract as a Celine ambassador following the change in the brand's Art Director.

"The way TaeTae made that post all of a sudden.... I feel like he knew Hedi (his bestie) is leaving Celine,"- commented a netizen

"no bc tae loves hedi’s innovative styles quite a lot,"- added a netizen

"We just need to wait because we don't know if Taehyung will leave Celine too or stay with the new creative director... we don't know when his contract expires either,"- stated an X user

"wonder if Taehyung will stay after whatever the duration of his agreement with the brand ends,"- commented another X user

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All you need to know as Celine's art director, Hedi Slimane, announces his departure from the luxury fashion brand

Hedi Slimane is a French photographer and art director who kickstarted his career in the fashion industry in 2000. Between the years 2000 and 2007, he served as the creative director of Dior Homme. Following this, he shifted his position as the creative director for another French luxury fashion brand, Yves Saint Laurent, between the years 2012 and 2016,

In February 2018, he joined Celine as its creative, artistic, and image director, until his recent departure in October 2024. Hedi will be succeeded by Michael Rider, an American designer who previously stood as the director at Polo Ralph Lauren. Rider departed the brand in May 2024.

However, he has been a design director of ready-to-wear at Celine for over ten years under Phoebe Philo. His new artistic director role under Celine will begin in Paris next year. On the other hand, Hedi Slimane was known for the huge impact and commercial success he brought to Celine during his seven-year tenure under the brand.

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Slimane repotedly increased the brand's revenue to more than double the brand's initial revenue. This expanded the brand's several aspects such as beauty, menswear, fragrance, and more Before Hedi departed from the brand, he rolled out one last collection for Summer 2025, titled, Un Été Français. The collections' aesthetics mainly revolved around the designer's recent focus on 1960s silhouettes.