Hedi Slimane Takes A Bow, But What Does It Mean?
All the fashion was happening in LA at the Saint Laurent Fall 2016 runway presentation
Photo: Getty
hedi slimane
On the eve of the first night of New York Fashion Week, all the fashion was happening in LA at the Saint Laurent Fall 2016 men's and women's runway presentation at the Palladium theater. The night was very much about music, with everyone from Justin Bieber to Joan Jett and Courtney Love in attendance. And Los Angeles.
Related article: Fashion Recap: Saint Laurent’s Fall 2016 Show At The Palladium Was The Most Glamorous Thing Ever
The city, where the headquarters are now based, has become as important to the Saint Laurent brand as Paris ever was—with a classic rockstar insouciance woven into every collection Hedi Slimane has shown since taking the reins of the house Yves built in 2012. And art. The stage backdrop was created by painter Lucia Santina Ribisi, "a young explorer from Los Angeles, grappling with her identity on the brink of womanhood," according to a press release from Saint Laurent.
Related article: Saint Laurent Taps Pamela Anderson’s Son To Promote Show In LA
Set to PyPy's club-worthy soundtrack, models and models-slash-musicians walked the runway in printed midi dresses, music note jackets, full-length fur bombers, David Bowie suits, leather culottes and Slimane's signature leopard prints and velvet in one of his most polished collections to date.
When it was all over, Slimane took a bow. While this wouldn't be notable from anyone else, Slimane historically leaves the runway to the models. But with longer-than-usual locks and a quick smile, he presented himself with a short wave to the crowd. Rumors (so far squashed by the brand's PR reps) about Slimane's future at Saint Laurent have been whirling, leading to whispers of, "is this a good bye wave?" Or is the designer simply giving a little more of himself in appreciation to an audience in his adopted hometown?
Related article: Two Museums Dedicated To Yves Saint Laurent To Open In 2017
After a collection like that, we hope for the latter. Either way, Slimane and his band of models, music men and women and celebs were soon off to an after party featuring music by Father John Misty, Beck, Joan Jett, Allah-Las, The Sloths, Cherry Glazerr, Curtis Harding, No Parents, Bleached, Kim and The Created, and Mystic Braves. In other words, fashion in LA sounds like a lot of fun.
By Kerry Pieri
From: Harper's BAZAAR US