The Tense Relationship Between CELINE and Vogue: A Fashion Rivalry

The luxury fashion brand CELINE and Vogue magazine have had a complicated and often tense relationship over the years. This dynamic has been shaped by various factors, including changes in leadership, creative direction, and public perceptions.

The Shift in Leadership

The friction between CELINE and Vogue reportedly began in 2021 when Emmanuelle Alt, a close friend of CELINE’s former creative director Hedi Slimane, stepped down as editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris. Slimane, known for his distinct aesthetic and vision for CELINE, was reportedly unhappy with this change. This dissatisfaction led him to distance the brand from Vogue, marking a significant shift in their relationship.

Coverage and Exclusions

The tension escalated when Vogue Runway was not invited to cover CELINE’s Spring 2022 virtual show. A source from Vogue clarified that the decision was not theirs, expressing hope for future coverage. However, this incident highlighted the growing rift between the two entities.

Slimane’s Frustrations

Reports suggested that Slimane directly communicated his frustrations to Anna Wintour, Vogue’s global director. There were even claims that he reduced CELINE’s advertising with the magazine, although a spokesperson for CELINE denied this without further explanation. This ongoing tension was evident in 2023 when CELINE chose not to participate in the Met Gala, a significant event in the fashion calendar.

The Influence of Social Media

In a surprising turn of events, CELINE made a notable appearance on Vogue’s social media on July 6, 2025, when BTS member Taehyung (V) attended CELINE’s Spring 2026 fashion show in Paris. Vogue shared highlights from the event, including videos of Taehyung and photos of him with Anna Wintour. This marked the first time in years that CELINE was featured on Vogue’s platforms, leading many to speculate that the rivalry might be easing.

Taehyung’s Impact

Taehyung’s presence at the Spring 2026 show was particularly significant, as it was his first major fashion event after completing military service. Dressed in a grey embroidered jacket and matching pants, he sat alongside Wintour in the front row. Their interaction was warm, with Wintour welcoming him to Paris and inviting him to a major Vogue event in Hollywood later that year.

A New Creative Direction

The Spring 2026 show also introduced CELINE’s new creative director, Michael Rider, following Slimane’s departure in late 2024. Rider’s debut was highly anticipated, drawing attention not only for the collection but also for the star-studded guest list, which included celebrities like Park Bo-gum and Suzy Bae.

Media Buzz and Anticipation

Taehyung’s return to the fashion scene generated significant buzz, with Korean media publishing over 1,000 articles about his trip to Paris. His airport outfit alone garnered over 17,000 views on South Korea’s largest search engine, Naver, and he trended in over 40 countries. The upcoming Vogue World event on October 26, 2025, is now highly anticipated, with fans eager to see Taehyung’s continued involvement in the fashion world.

Conclusion

The relationship between CELINE and Vogue has been marked by tension and rivalry, but recent developments suggest a potential thawing of relations. With new leadership at CELINE and high-profile appearances by global icons like Taehyung, the future of this dynamic may hold exciting possibilities for both the brand and the magazine.