Au Revoir Hedi Slimane. Bonjour Kris Van Assche at Dior Homme

WWD's Thursday headline reports that Hedi Slimane and Dior have finally parted ways after a protracted contract negotiation that dragged on for nearly a year. The dispute reportedly was over ownership of Slimane's soon to be launched signature brand said to finally include a women's collection. The celebrated designer was allegedly reluctant to relinquish commercial control over his own name. Who can blame him? Jil? Helmut? Kris Van Assche, a former Slimane assistant whose signature label has been attracting admirers, was supposed to be on deck to take over Dior Homme last year, and is now reportedly negotiating to step in for real. What's it all mean? Next year we will be anxiously awaiting the debut of the Hedi Slimane Collection, and Dior Homme, the collection Slimane concieved after his unhappy departure from Yves Saint Laurent, will probably continue on in much the same direction.

UPDATE: Cathy Horyn reports on her Times blog that Kris Van Assche signed his contract today. Wouldn't it be amusing if Gucci winds up backing Slimane in a new label? Irony, or just a way to dig at Tom Ford? We shall be watching developments closely.

Comments

[eye4style]

Wow, that's wild...I feel like Slimane defined Dior Homme style.

[Jerrard]

I expect the collection will continue to be succesful so that as long as the silouhette stays consistent. this word is word more commonly synomous with womenswear but something that was the biggest highlight off Dior Homme. The only place I sense the collection will be lacking or the innovative shoes and accesories that Slimane concieved as there designer. I hope that just as when Tom Ford ended his time with Gucci/Group that that undivided attention will reflect in his collection.