Hedi Slimane (born July 5, 1968 in Paris) is a French fashion designer. He studied Art History at the École du Louvre, and was also educated as a tailor. From 1992 to 1995 he worked for Jean-Jacques Picart, notably on the centenary exhibition of Louis Vuitton's "LV" monogramme label.
After working as Collections Director for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Homme in 1997, and subsequently as Artistic Director, he became the chief designer for men’s clothing, Dior Homme, for Christian Dior in 2000. In 2002, the Council of Fashion Designers of America named him the International Designer of the Year in New York.
In July 2007, Hedi Slimane decided to quit the house of Dior. In order to convince him to stay, LVMH proposed him to finance his own signature line. Negotiations lasted for 6 months. Slimane called them off in February. He made a statement on his website to explain his choice. Slimane did not want to lose his creative freedom, sell his name, and loose the management of his own brand. He left for US, joined his friend Gus Van Sant, and started a new project, "Young American", which was partly shown at FOAM museum in July 2007. He opened 2 others shows, at Arndt and Partners gallery, in Berlin, SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH (a groupshow, with contribution form the emrging Ny art scene), and a solo show at Ellipse Foundation for contemporary art. Hedi Slimane is currently working on a few upcoming exhibitions: in November at galery Almine Rech, in Paris, January 2008, in Tokyo, at Koyanagi gallery, and May 2008 at Musac Contemporary art museum in Spain.
Slimane's silhouettes are based on classic menswear but with a modern twist. He is known for preferring black (sometimes with hints of bright color); for narrow lines, low-cut and sheer shirts and thin-waisted suits; and for a certain femininity that appeals to men and women alike. After women such as actress Cate Blanchett and entertainer Madonna requested versions of his men's suits, Slimane began selling certain items for women as well, not modified at all from the men's designs except being available in smaller sizes. Slimane has a reputation for high-quality tailoring, attention to detail, and minimalist designs, his pieces have frequently been termed "architectural" and "slightly subversive." He also is interested in the idea of matching, whether a tuxedo and a swimsuit or a pair of sunglasses and a ring. Although his designs appeal to youthful men— and his very young runway models emphasize this slant—Slimane has commented that his clothes are much more about attitude the wearer's age.