Celine 101: A Brief History of the Iconic Fashion House
As we eagerly anticipate Michael Rider’s debut at Celine, it’s essential to take a step back and delve into the rich history of this renowned fashion house.
Founded 80 years ago in 1945 by Céline Vipiana, Celine began as a made-to-measure children’s shoes shop. Fast forward to 1996, when it became part of the prestigious LVMH group. The first designer entrusted with revamping the maison was none other than American designer Michael Kors. During his tenure from 1997 to 2003, Kors introduced a range of designs, from gray pencil skirts to furs for modern-day Hitchcock heroines, and even tie-died caftans perfect for lounging by the pool.
Following Kors, Roberto Menichetti, a former Burberry designer, took the reins, followed by Ivana Omazic. However, it was Phoebe Philo who truly left her mark on Celine during her tenure from 2008 to 2018. Philo ushered in a golden age for the brand, creating smart, minimalistic, and women-friendly clothing, alongside a range of delectable bags that quickly became must-haves in the fashion world.
After Philo’s departure, Hedi Slimane stepped in and brought his own unique vision to Celine. Slimane’s bold approach saw the departure from the internet-beloved ‘Old Céline’ style, replaced with his signature blend of grunge and glam.
With each designer leaving their imprint on the iconic fashion house, Celine continues to evolve and captivate fashion enthusiasts worldwide.