Known today for its clean lines, minimalist aesthetic, and cult-favorite handbags, Celine has undergone several transformations over the decades. From its origins as a made-to-measure children’s shoe boutique to its current position as a powerhouse under LVMH, Celine continues to shape the conversation around modern luxury fashion.
What Is The Story Behind The Celine Brand?
A Brief History Of Celine
Many brands evolve from their beginnings, but Celine has undergone a complete transformation since its inception.
Celine was founded in 1945 by Céline Vipiana and her husband Richard. What began as a bespoke children’s shoe business quickly gained popularity for its high-quality craftsmanship and sophistication.
By the 1960s, the maison had expanded into women’s footwear and ready-to-wear, appealing to the effortlessly chic Parisian women who wanted both style and practicality. With a focus on clean tailoring, refined fabrics, and wearable elegance, Celine became synonymous with understated luxury.
Celine History: A Timeline
- 1945: Céline and Richard Vipiana open a children’s shoe store in Paris.
- 1960s-1970s: Celine transitions into ready-to-wear fashion, pioneering accessible luxury with a laid-back take on tailoring.
- 1980s-1990s: The brand becomes a global name, especially noted for its timeless handbags and leather goods.
- 1996: Celine is acquired by luxury conglomerate LVMH.
- 1997-2004: Michael Kors becomes creative director, bringing American glamour and modernizing the brand.
- 2008-2018: Phoebe Philo revitalizes Celine, introducing minimalist, architectural designs and cult handbags like the Luggage Tote.
- 2018-Present: Hedi Slimane takes over as creative director, introducing an edgier look to the brand.
Celine & LVMH
Celine officially became part of LVMH in 1996. Under the LVMH umbrella, the brand expanded internationally and began to focus on developing its handbag and accessory categories, helping to solidify its reputation as a key player in the luxury space.
With the financial backing of LVMH, Celine was able to scale its production while maintaining its high standards of quality.
The house has since had several influential creative directors, including Michael Kors, Phoebe Philo, and Hedi Slimane, each of whom left a distinct mark on the maison’s identity.
The Celine Rebrand
Perhaps the most talked-about moment in modern Celine history came in 2018, when Hedi Slimane took over as creative director. He removed the accent from ‘Céline’ to make it ‘Celine’, signaling a new era.
Slimane reintroduced an aesthetic with more of an edge, with nods to youth culture, music, and vintage tailoring. This was viewed as a shift from Phoebe Philo’s minimalism and sparked debate among fashion fans.
Top 3 Celine Bags
These are three of the Celine bags that have had the most impact on the fashion landscape.
1. The Triomphe Bag
One of Hedi Slimane’s most celebrated contributions since joining Celine in 2018, the Triomphe Bag revives the maison’s archival double 'C' emblem, inspired by the chains encircling Paris’ Arc de Triomphe.
With its sleek silhouette and signature clasp, the Triomphe is a modern classic and a symbol of the new Celine era.
2. The Classic Box Bag
Introduced in 2011 under Phoebe Philo, the Classic Box Bag epitomizes timeless minimalism. Its structured flap design and versatile crossbody wear make it a favorite among those who appreciate understated luxury. Season after season, it remains one of Celine’s most enduring staples.
3. The Luggage Tote
Launched in 2010, the Luggage Tote is instantly recognizable with its distinctive 'face-like' front design and structured silhouette. Available in a range of sizes and materials, it became a must-have during the 2010s and continues to hold strong resale value today. The Luggage Tote represents the perfect blend of practicality and style.
Is Celine ‘Quiet Luxury’?
Yes! Celine definitely fits comfortably within the ‘quiet luxury’ category. The brand is known for subtle elegance, clean silhouettes, and pieces that whisper rather than shout. Its handbags, such as the Luggage Tote and the Triomphe, are beloved by those who value timeless design and discreet sophistication.
However, the brand has, in more recent years, played around with all-over logo bags and a singular logo emblazoned across the front of its designs.
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How To Sell Celine Online?
myGemma makes selling your Celine accessories simple and secure.
You can:
- Sell directly for a fast, hassle-free payment.
- Trade in your Celine pieces for credit toward something new.
- Consign to maximize your payout on higher-value items.
To get started, fill out the online form with your item(s)’ details. If you choose to sell directly, payment is often made in as little as 24 hours from the point of receiving your price quote.
