Designer Hedi Slimane and couture house Christian Dior are said to be at an impasse regarding his contract renewal. Slimane, who designs Dior's menswear collection, is said to be demanding a remuneration that is causing negotiations to stall. His three-year contract ends next month. According to WWD, the situation can still be resolved, although the trade magazine's sources are already comparing the situation to Tom Ford and Gucci. The Italian Gucci Group stopped its partnership with Ford in 2003, causing shock among the industry.

WWD's sources said that Dior management was preparing for a possible split and the eventuality of searching for a replacement. Although no names have been revealed the sources said the choice was "wise" and would likely be well received by the industry press. Whether either party decides to continue with a women's wear venture, together or independent of each other is unclear. WWD reported that the matter had been brought up during discussions. Both parties refused to comment on the situation.

Slimane is undoubtably the darling of the fashion world, electrifying the fashion world with his tailored men's wear designs in the late Nineties.