From Phoebe to Fashion: How is Celine Doing Today?

Alana 14 Sep 2024

Is it just me, or does fashion feel different lately? Like, remember when we used to wear, I don't know, actual clothes? And I don't mean sweatpants-as-a-personality clothes (although I'm guilty of that too). I'm talking about the kind of clothes that made you feel like you could walk into a room and conquer the world, or at least conquer your to-do list with a newfound sense of purpose. Clothes with a capital "C." That's the feeling I get when I think about Celine, especially the Phoebe Philo era. But Phoebe's been gone for a minute now (fashion minutes, which are like dog years), so it's only natural to wonder: how *is* Celine doing today?

Before we dive into the current state of Celine, let's take a quick trip down memory lane, shall we? Celine, for those who haven't pledged allegiance to a specific fashion house (no judgment!), is a French luxury brand known for its minimalist aesthetic and sophisticated designs. Founded way back in 1945 by Céline Vipiana, it initially started as a made-to-measure children's shoe boutique in Paris (how adorable is that?). It wasn't until the 1960s that Celine expanded into ready-to-wear womenswear, offering a practical yet chic alternative to the more restrictive styles of the time.

Fast forward to 2008, and enter Phoebe Philo, the woman who would become synonymous with the brand for a whole generation of fashion lovers. Philo's Celine was all about understated elegance, clean lines, and a certain effortless cool. Think oversized coats, wide-leg trousers, and those iconic minimalist bags everyone and their stylish aunt coveted. Philo's tenure was a masterclass in creating a distinct brand identity – one that resonated deeply with women who wanted to look polished without feeling stuffy. But all good things must come to an end, right? Phoebe Philo left Celine in 2017, leaving a legacy of It-bags and a collective fashion sigh heard 'round the world.

So, where does that leave Celine today? Well, Hedi Slimane, formerly of Saint Laurent and Dior Homme, took the helm as creative director in 2018. And as you might expect from a designer known for his rock 'n' roll edge, Slimane wasted no time in putting his own stamp on the brand. Out went the oversized silhouettes and minimalist aesthetic, and in came a more fitted, youthful, and dare I say, even a little bit edgy vibe. Think sharp tailoring, mini skirts, and a healthy dose of sequins and leather.

The fashion world, naturally, had opinions (because what else is the fashion world good at?). Some mourned the loss of Philo's Celine, feeling like Slimane had erased her legacy. Others embraced the change, praising Slimane for injecting a fresh perspective and appealing to a new generation. The truth is, Celine's transformation under Slimane is a perfect example of the cyclical nature of fashion. Trends come and go, designers evolve, and brands adapt to the ever-changing desires of their customers (or at least, they try to!).

So, back to our original question: how *is* Celine doing today? Well, it's complicated. Celine is a brand in flux, navigating the delicate balance between honoring its heritage and embracing a new direction. It's too early to say what the long-term impact of Slimane's vision will be, but one thing's for sure: Celine is a brand that keeps us talking, keeps us guessing, and keeps us obsessed with what they'll do next. And in the ever-evolving world of fashion, maybe that's all that really matters.

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