PARIS, Jul 5, 2006/ FW/ --- The question of whether Hedi Slimane will renew his contract or not with Dior Homme weighed hard on his fans who attended the Dior Homme show last night but that issue seem to have no effect on the French-born designer’s creative prowess as he presented an upbeat and innovative menswear collection.

Sticking to his signature slim silhouette, Slimane kept trousers pencil-thin and straight, with a slight flare at the bottom. Suit jackets were a little wider than his norm, and relaxed fitting yet cut with his signature sloping shoulders, the jacket gently draping over the body.

The one-button suits were classical, but the double-breasted variety was given a sash, giving it an oriental feel.

Slimane reworked the safari jacket by giving it lots of pockets for all the electronic gadgets young men seem to carry all the time. A detachable collar is cleverly ‘hidden’ with zips.

The traveling cape also took a new form in a bomber jacket slightly blouson at the waist and keyholes at the sides. The biker jacket was also elasticized at the waist and zips gave way to hidden pockets.

The cummerbund was worn low below the waist. It became an accessory and a focal point at the same time.

Once again, it was a show of minimalist drama, also considered Hedi Slimane’s signature catwalk show. And as Hedi Slimane took his bow to a thunderous applause, there was also a certain melancholy on the air. Is this goodbye or see you later?

There are so many rumors going around during the season about Hedi Slimane. There are some that are verifiable; there are some that can just be attributed to the churning of the rumor mill.

Last Saturday’s issue of Le Figaro said that Hedi Slimane wants to design womenswear and that is true. A designer of his caliber has to spread his wings. This is a good time as any.

There are some who are saying that Hedi Slimane wants to launch is own label, and that PPR is going to finance it. Whether that is fact or rumor still remains to be seen.

Yet, one thing is certain. Hedi Slimane is a great menswear designer and his vision is unique. Being a master of tailoring techniques has also helped him put that vision into reality.

At the end of July, Slimane’s current contract with Dior Homme ends. Whether he will opt to renew or move one, only Hedi Slimane knows. No matter what he decides, his fans and admirers will always be with him. The applause he received at the end of the show attests to that.

Dior Homme

Dior Homme

Dior Homme

Dior Homme