TEEN KNIGHT POEM
‘Teen Knight Poem’ is the charming title of Celine’s latest Menswear Fall/Winter ’21 Collection. Steeped in fascination and fantasy, it’s rich, darkly beautiful and extravagant looking. Then, we have the protagonists – an army of models in the guise of ‘moody Princes’ who come decked out in jet-black leathers, complete with fly-away tresses and feature silver earrings which gently dance in rhythm to their regal pace. This presentation is a world (and time) which is far removed from our current one and it’s superbly articulated as a virtual fashion show – thanks to the talents of its Creative Director, Hedi Slimane.
Shot on location in France at the picturesque 15th-century Château de Chambord, we see models march across the imposing balconies in bespoke looks that were made for a sultry, fairy tale Prince. Entitled ‘Nouveau Romantique’, this short film features all the decadence of the era with chunky silver and Cuban necklaces resting on plush sweaters and delicate frilled white collars. A truly romantic juxtaposition that dances between hard and soft, past and present and romantic and pragmatic.
‘This collection is indeed poetic because a story is being told. The mood is set. The characters shimmer with mystery and intrigue. The setting provides lush detail.’ – Hedi Slimane
Maintaining the strong identity of the house, Celine’s latest collection features expensive, edgy, armoured street wear which is available in primarily black. Slimane’s fashion film does add another element to the narrative of its aesthetic – as we can relate to the dignity of the knights in question. This sets perfectly within the storybook opulent castle, which is not surprisingly host to an array of aristocratic models who glide across the openings with a ‘devil-may-care’ attitude.
Celine Menswear A/W ’21
Celine certainly does justice to the forced emergence of virtual fashion shows though its production of ‘Nouveau Romantic’s’ spell-binding screen set. It comes as no surprise that Slimane is also an industry acclaimed photographer, a talent which he turned to effortlessly in which to pay homage to the collection through cinematic shots which sat flawlessly against the backdrops of the renaissance chateau.
Article: Charles Daniel McDonald
Photography / Media: Hedi Slimane & Celine
