French Elegance Redefined: Celine’s Ss25 Collection Pays Homage To Iconic It Girls
In late September 2024, former creative director Hedi Slimane revealed his swan song for Celine: the Spring/Summer 2025 collection. Titled Un Été Français (A French Summer), the collection debuted through a short film directed by Slimane himself. Inspired by Françoise Sagan’s 1965 novel La Chamade, the film was shot at the historic Château de Compiègne in Paris, offering a cinematic tribute to timeless Parisian femininity.
A Celebration of the French It Girl
Building on the nostalgic ’60s charm of the Fall/Winter 2024 collection, the Spring/Summer 2025 line delves deeper into the archetype of the French It girl. Drawing inspiration from style icons like Jane Birkin and Françoise Hardy, the collection serves as a love letter to effortless elegance. Models sporting sleek French bobs and minimalist headbands glide through the opulent château grounds and lush gardens, dressed in babydoll dresses, pleated A-line skirts, and tailored twinsets. Completing the looks are kitten-heeled slingbacks and layered strings of necklaces, epitomizing the understated allure of Parisian style.
Hedi Slimane’s Farewell Chapter
Un Été Français not only marks the debut of Celine’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection but also serves as Hedi Slimane’s final chapter with the Maison. After a transformative seven-year tenure, Slimane’s exploration of Parisian femininity concludes with this nostalgic and reflective collection—a fitting farewell to his trailblazing journey at Celine.
The Collection: Two Distinct Parts
The collection unfolds in two parts, each capturing the transition between seasons:
- Part I: Transitioning from winter to spring, this selection includes holiday-ready pieces such as cropped jackets, ’60s-inspired pinafores, and bold prints like animal patterns and exotic textures, offering a daring twist on springtime dressing.
- Part II: Capturing the lightness of the season, this segment focuses on playful mini skirts and flowing silhouettes, evoking the carefree energy of spring.
A New Era at ION Orchard, Singapore
To celebrate the collection’s launch, Celine opened a new boutique at ION Orchard in Singapore. Located on the first floor, the boutique’s design blends brutalist architecture with naturalistic elements, creating a refined yet welcoming ambiance. The interiors juxtapose curved glass and marble with warm oak, brass accents, and antique gold mirrors. Adding an artistic touch is a wall-mounted sculpture by Dutch artist Machteld Rullens.
Boutique Highlights and Exclusives
The boutique introduces several firsts and exclusive offerings:
- Beauty Display: The first Celine store in Singapore to showcase the brand’s Beauté line, featuring lipsticks and haute perfumery.
- Menswear Exclusives: Après-ski pieces, including utilitarian parkas and sporty ski goggles.
- Womenswear Highlights: Winter staples such as festive-print sweaters and shearling-trimmed accessories.
- Exotic Bag Editions: Iconic designs like the Teen Triomphe, Classique Triomphe, Mini Chain Besace Clea, and Small 16 bags are now available in luxurious crocodile skin. A standout piece is the Small 16 bag in pony calfskin, featuring a distinctive cow print—a playful nod to Western aesthetics.
Hedi’s Lasting Legacy
As Hedi Slimane’s final collection for Celine, Un Été Français stands as a fitting culmination of his tenure with the brand. It celebrates the timeless elegance, innovation, and enduring appeal that have defined both Slimane’s vision and Celine’s identity.