Celine, designer of unfussy bags for stylish ladies.
From children's shoes to women's leather goods, fashion house Celine has undeniably changed since it started out, but it has never taken its eye off the ambition of creating simple and elegant models of ready-to-wear clothing and fashion accessories. Veritable it-bag designer, the luxury brand creates a collection of Celine bags that come in a range of different formats and colours, so every woman can find one she likes.
Originally, it all started with a children's shoe shop.
Founded in 1945 by Céline Vipiana, fashion house Celine was initially a children's footwear boutique. In her workshop, the French designer specialised in making made-to-measure models, and dreamt of creating innovative lines for tots. It was not until 1960 that she made her first foray into adult fashion with a collection of feminine leather goods and a few acclaimed pieces, like Celine's flat Polo, Inca and Byblos moccasins. Named Couture Sportswear, Celine's first line of women's ready-to-wear saw the light of day in 1967. Designed with active women in mind, at its forefront featured culottes and denim jeans, ensuring the French brand's place centre stage.
In 1997, one year after the brand was bought by the LVMH group, Michael Kors took over as creative director. Responsible for the now emblematic Poney and Boogie models, the world-famous leather goods maker reenergised Celine women's handbags and developed a more luxurious style. Roberto Menichetti and Ivana Omazic took over from the New York designer between 2004 and 2008, but now British designer Phoebe Philo is at the helm of Celine's collections, which she has injected with contemporary accents while loyally retaining the subtle luxury favoured by the brand's founder.
Timeless, iconic pieces.
Each of the designers associated with Celine has managed to instil their own aesthetic into the collections, but they all share a sense of timeless elegance which ensures their lasting appeal. Different types of handbags are available: with long straps, short handles or designed to be worn on the shoulder. Leather is still the fashion house's material of choice. Classic leathers like calfskin or suede can be found alongside more off-kilter designs made of crocodile, lizard and python skin. Some of the star models of the range come in textile versions allowing a little more freedom of design in terms of tints and patterns. Celine has produced handbags made of wool, plain velvet and travel bags featuring wide stripes. Fashion house Celine has added to its range of articles and now offers a very varied collection of leather goods, some of its models have become veritable it-bags and can be seen on the arms of celebrities like Madonna, Sharon Stone and Claudia Schiffer. The following are especially noteworthy: