Is Hedi Slimane set to become Creative Director at Armani?
Reports suggest that designer Hedi Slimane is set to become the Creative Director of Giorgio Armani, following the passing of the legendary founder last month at the age of 91.
First reported by fashion insider Susanna Nicoletta via SUNDeLuxe, an official announcement is expected in the coming days.
It comes after Slimane stepped down from Celine last year after a seven-year tenure as Artistic, Creative & Image Director, following the departure of Phoebe Philo.
During his time at the LVMH-owned brand, he significantly expanded its remit - introducing menswear, couture, and fragrance lines.
Under his direction, Celine underwent a dramatic transformation, embracing a darker, grungier aesthetic and rising to megabrand status. His exit marked the end of an era for the French label.
Before Celine, Slimane held high-profile roles at Yves Saint Laurent and Dior Homme. He first made his mark at YSL in the late 1990s before moving to Dior Homme in 2000, where he reshaped the landscape of men's fashion. He returned to YSL in 2012 as Creative Director, leading the brand through a bold rebranding before his departure in 2016.
The anticipated appointment comes just days after Giorgio Armani Group named Giuseppe Marsocci as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Marsocci, a seasoned executive with over 35 years in fashion - 23 of them at Armani in roles of increasing responsibility - was unanimously proposed for the position by the group. He will report to the board of directors, chaired by Leo Dell’Orco, with Silvana Armani serving as Vice President.
As the fashion world awaits confirmation, Slimane’s appointment would mark a new era for one of Italy’s most storied fashion houses.
Industry commentator Marcus Jaye told TheIndustry.fashion: "Where has Hedi been hiding?! Hedi Slimane had been rumoured at house-after-house recently.
"If he wants to continue working as a Creative Director, Armani is a great fit for him. It has a very defined look that plays into his monochrome palette and they will be desperate for somebody to hold it all together as they try to sell the giant business.
"Hedi will do his thing and it will blend with Armani, rather than the other way around, but he has been extremely successful elsewhere and his fan club will continue to follow him."
