Who is Hedi Slimane and why is he a hot topic in the fashion industry?

This 2019 file picture shows Hedi Slimane gesturing to the audience at the end of the presentation of Celine's Spring/Summer 2020 menswear show. Photo: AFP

The announcement that Hedi Slimane is leaving Celine has spurred even more speculation about the latest comings and goings of the fashion industry.

His departure marks the latest among many movements – Pierpaolo Piccioli left Valentino in March after nearly two decades, while Karl Lagerfeld’s successor, Virginie Viard, moved on from Chanel in June.