FridayOL

The fashion world is buzzing! Luxury powerhouse Celine has just released its first campaign in over a decade featuring none other than BTS' Taehyung, marking a potential thaw in its famously frosty relationship with Vogue magazine. But what sparked this long-standing feud, and what does Taehyung’s involvement signal for the future of both brands?

For years, Celine and Vogue have been locked in a tense dynamic, a rivalry that has become a significant topic of conversation within the industry. The roots of this disagreement reportedly trace back to 2011, following the appointment of Hedi Slimane as Celine's creative director. Slimane’s vision for the brand was a radical departure from the established Celine aesthetic, and his close ties to Vogue's then-editor-in-chief, Emmanuelle Alt, further complicated matters.

According to a 2021 report by Women's Wear Daily (WWD), the rift began to widen when Slimane reportedly felt Vogue wasn't adequately supporting his new Celine. Sources suggest Slimane believed Vogue favored other brands and wasn’t giving Celine the editorial space it deserved, particularly during a period of significant rebranding. This perceived lack of support allegedly led Slimane to sever ties with Vogue, a decision that set the stage for years of icy relations.

The situation escalated when Slimane dramatically pulled all Celine advertising from Vogue's pages in 2016. This was a bold move, effectively cutting off a major revenue stream for the magazine and sending shockwaves through the fashion industry. The decision signaled a clear and public rejection of Vogue’s editorial direction and its perceived bias towards other luxury labels.

Following Slimane’s departure from Celine in 2022, the brand brought in Nigo as its creative director. Nigo, known for his influence in streetwear and his collaborative spirit, has already begun to reshape Celine’s image, moving away from Slimane’s more rock-and-roll aesthetic towards a more relaxed and youthful vibe.

Now, the appointment of BTS’ Taehyung as Celine’s newest ambassador feels like a significant step towards reconciliation. Taehyung, a global icon and fashion trendsetter, brings immense appeal and aligns perfectly with Nigo’s vision for the brand. His first campaign, a series of striking lifestyle images, has generated massive buzz across social media, demonstrating Celine’s renewed focus on global reach and contemporary style.

The question remains: Is this a genuine sign of a permanent truce between Celine and Vogue? Only time will tell. However, Taehyung’s involvement suggests a willingness on Celine’s part to move forward and embrace a new era of collaboration. The fashion world will be watching closely to see if Vogue reciprocates, signaling a potential return to a mutually beneficial relationship between these two influential forces.

One thing is certain: the resurgence of Celine, fueled by Nigo’s creative direction and amplified by the star power of BTS’ Taehyung, is a story worth following. The future of this iconic brand, and its relationship with the leading fashion publication, promises to be a captivating narrative in the years to come.