CELINE Homme Winter 24: “Symphonie Fantastique” Collection Unveils Sartorial Excellence and Psychedelic Inspiration
May 21, 2024
The fashion world is in awe as the highly anticipated film from CELINE HOMME, "Symphonie Fantastique," is revealed. Directed by the visionary Hedi Slimane, this collection masterfully blends classic tailoring and avant-garde elements. It draws inspiration from Hector Berlioz's groundbreaking symphony of the same name, which Leonard Bernstein described in 1969 as the first psychedelic symphony ever composed, more than 100 years before the psychedelic movement of the late 1960s.
Shot between January and February in the breathtaking Mojave Desert and the vibrant city of Los Angeles, the "Symphonie Fantastique" collection video is a visual feast for the senses. The stunning visuals, created by the talented team of make-up artist Aaron De Mey, hair stylist Esther Langham, and hair colorist Alex Brownsel, perfectly capture the essence of the modern man.
Slimane's fascination with Berlioz's symphony began at the age of 11, when he became passionate about the romantic musical piece composed by the young Berlioz, who was only 26 years old and in an obsessive relationship with English actress Harriet Smithson. The symphony, written between February and April 1830, was defined by Berlioz as an "immense instrumental composition of a new genre," excelling in the spatialization of its orchestration and leaving critics taken aback by its modernity.
The "Symphonie Fantastique" collection marks the return of tailoring in Hedi Slimane's pure sartorial tradition. The "I" line, a signature of Slimane's silhouette and the 1960s tailoring inspired by the Anglomania of the 19th century, takes center stage. Frock coats, three-buttoned suits, and hand-embroidered waistcoats, crafted exclusively from the utmost precious and luxurious fabrics such as silk, cashmere, and vicuna, dominate the collection. Matte black, satin, and lacquered finishes add a touch of sophistication and edge that is sure to turn heads.
Now I'm sure that any of you who has ever had a crush on someone who didn't return your feeling will understand that passionate melody perfectly; and you can easily see how a lovesick musician could become obsessed by it. And if you understand that, you're ready to hear the symphony.
Watch the exclusive film below.
The collection also pays homage to the iconic Troubadour club in West Hollywood, California, which first opened in 1957. The venue has hosted live performances from some of the biggest artists over the last six decades, including Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Carole King, James Taylor, Tom Waits, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Franz Ferdinand, and The Strokes. The club's founder, Doug Weston, once referred to the lineup as "modern-day troubadours," a term that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the CELINE Homme Winter 24 collection.
Slimane's "California Teen Cowboy" photography series and film project, spanning from 2013 to 2024, adds a touch of authenticity and raw beauty to the collection's overall aesthetic. The images of Brayden Liberio, a young cowboy from California, captured in February 2024 with his own riding clothes and his 9-year-old horse "Frijole," perfectly complement the collection's rugged yet refined appeal.
As the fashion world eagerly embraces the "Symphonie Fantastique" collection, it is clear that Hedi Slimane and CELINE have once again redefined the future of menswear. The collection's masterful blend of classic tailoring, psychedelic inspiration, and modern edginess is a testament to Slimane's unrivaled vision and CELINE's position as the undisputed leader in men's luxury fashion.
