HEDI Slimane has been appointed the new artistic, creative and image director of Céline. In a statement by the house's parent group, LVMH, it was announced that Slimane, who has previously held tenures at Dior Homme and Saint Laurent, will commence his role in February of this year, with the first collection debuting at Paris Fashion Week in September.

French-born designer Hedi Slimane for Saint Laurent acknowledges the public during the Spring/Summer 2013 ready-to-wear collection show on October 1, 2012 in Paris. AFP PHOTO/MARTIN BUREAU (Photo credit should read MARTIN BUREAU/AFP/GettyImages) © Getty Images

In his new role, Slimane, 49, will oversee all collections produced by the house along with introducing couture, men's fashion and fragrances.

Speaking of the appointment, Bernard Arnault, LVMH's CEO said: "I am particularly happy that Hedi is back within the LVMH Group and taking the reins of our Céline Maison. He is one of the most talented designers of our time. I have been a great admirer of his work since we collaborated on Dior Homme, which he launched to global critical acclaim in the 2000s. His arrival at Céline reinforces the great ambitions that LVMH has for this Maison. Hedi will oversee and develop all creativity for both women’s and men’s fashion, but also for leather goods, accessories and fragrances. He will leverage his global vision and unique aesthetic virtuosity in further building an iconic French Maison."

Read more: Hedi Slimane To Exit Saint Laurent

Since he exited Saint Laurent in April 2016, Slimane has continued to work on his photography projects but had also spoken openly about returning to design. Commenting on his new position, Slimane said: "I am delighted to join Bernard Arnault in this all-embracing and fascinating mission for Céline. I greatly look forward to returning to the exciting world of fashion and the dynamism of the ateliers."

Slimane will replace Phoebe Philo who, after holding the position of creative director for 10 years, announced her departure in December 2017. During her time there, Philo was credited as reinventing the modern wardrobe and defining aesthetic of the era.

Read more: Céline Spring/Summer 2018 Ready To Wear

Previous to this announcement, it had been rumoured that Paris-born Slimane would join Karl Lagerfeld in creating a menswear division at Chanel.

Read more: Chanel Finally Breaks Its Silence On Those Hedi Slimane Rumours

Read more: Vogue Archive: Hedi Slimane's Saint Laurent

Read more: Phoebe Philo To Leave Céline

Read more: Hedi Slimane's Saint Laurent Fashion Hits