Céline: Pheobe Philo, Michael Kors And Clean Minimalism

French luxury fashion house Céline was founded in 1945 by Céline Vipiana as a children’s made-to-measure shoe business. Later the brand expanded into women’s shoes, handbags and ready-to-wear in the Sixties, with the rubric of creating couture sportswear - “fashion for everyone”. Céline became the first luxury brand to hit the Japanese market.

Under Céline Vipiana, the brand became known for its practical, wearable separates, like trenches, swing skirts and blouses. In 1997, when Céline, by now part of the LVMH Group, brought in Michael Kors as creative director. Kors brought the label to fashion’s forefront, dressing Rene Russo’s character in The Thomas Crown Affair, Gwyneth Paltrow in Possession and creating bestselling accessories for the label like the 2002 “boogie bag.”

After Kors’ exit from Céline in 2004, unremarkable stints from designers Roberto Menichetti and Ivana Omazic followed before the label appointed ex-Chloé designer Phoebe Philo. Philo’s cool, clean minimalism resonates with fashion editors and working women alike, and in 2010 Philo won Designer of the Year from the British Fashion Council. In addition to creating covetable accessories like handbags, totes (like the popular “luggage” bag), wallets and shoes, Philo ensures the brand is once again the go-to label for wearable, covetable separates.

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Paris, S/S 2000
Then creative director Michael Kors clenches a fist on the catwalk at the end of the presentation of his ready-to-wear collection.
Paris, S/S 2004
A model presents a Hawaiian print swimwear creation.
Paris, S/S 2004
A model presents a swimwear creation.
Paris, S/S 2006
Models take to the catwalk for the finale of American fashion designer Michael Kors ready-to-wear collection for Céline.
Paris, S/S 2006
Security grab an anti-fur activist flashing a placard during the presentation of American fashion designer Michael Kors's ready-to-wear collection for Céline.
Paris, A/W 2007
A model wears black patent boots by Croatian designer Ivana Omazi.
Paris, A/W 2006-7
A model presents a knitted piece by then creative director Croatian Ivana Omazic.
Paris, A/W 2007/8
Models present ensembles as part of ready-to-wear collection by Céline.
Paris, A/A 2007/8
A model presents a colourful creation by Croatian designer Ivana Omazic.
Paris, S/S 2008
A model presents a skimpy creation by Croatian designer Ivana Omazic for Celine.
Paris, A/W 2008/9
A models wears a fur creation by Croatian designer Ivana Omazic for Céline.
Paris, A/A 2008/9
Models present creations by Croatian designer Ivana Omazic.
Paris, S/S 2009
A model wears a dress by Croatian designer Ivana Omazic for Celine.
Paris, S/S 2009
Models take to the catwalk for the finale of Croatian fashion designer Ivana Omazic's show.
Paris, S/S 2009
This creation with sportswear jacket and printed skirt was created by Ivana Omazic.
Paris, S/S 2009
A model presents a creation by Croatian designer Ivana Omazic.
Céline, Paris, 2010
People are seen outside fashion shop Céline in Paris for Fashion's Night Out.
Paris, S/S 2010
Models on the catwalk for the finale of creative director Phoebe Philo's ready-to-wear collection.
Paris, S/S 2011
A model presents a creation by British designer Phoebe Philo, the brand's new creative director.
Paris, S/S 2011
A model wears a white creation by British fashion designer Phoebe Philo for Céline as part of her ready-to-wear collection.
Paris, A/W 2011/2
Models walk the catwalk for the finale of British designer Phoebe Philo for Céline.
Paris, A/W 2011/12
A model wears an orange coat and brown trousers with black boots and a black roll neck jumper.
Paris, S/S 2012
A model wears a cream creation with red detail as part of Céline's ready-to-wear collection.
Paris, S/S 2012
Models present creations by British designer Phoebe Philo for her ready-to-wear collection.
Paris, S/S 2012
A model wears a white top and emerald green skirt.
Paris, S/S 2012
A model wears white top, grey trousers and a multicoloured bag.
Paris, A/W 2012
British designer Phoebe Philo at the end of her presentation.
Paris, A/W 2012
Models present creative director Pheobe Philo's creations for Céline.

By Brogan Driscoll & Jen Barton

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