Celine

Celine is a quintessential luxury fashion brand, renowned for its minimalist aesthetics and impeccable craftsmanship. Established in 1945 by Céline Vipiana and her husband Richard, the brand originally began as a made-to-measure children's shoe business in Paris. Its logo, a subtle image of an elephant, symbolized strength and reliability—a nod to its humble yet sincere beginnings.

In the 1960s, Celine expanded its reach, introducing leather goods, handbags, gloves, and other accessories. This diversification marked a pivotal moment in its evolution. Cipriana Cipriani, director of accessories, revolutionized the brand by focusing on quality and modernity. The company's leather goods garnered a reputation for their unrivaled craftsmanship, setting the standard for luxury.

In 1996, the brand was acquired by the luxury conglomerate LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), opening a new chapter. Under LVMH's ownership, Celine underwent numerous changes in creative direction, making significant strides under each leadership. American designer Michael Kors led the brand in the late 1990s, bringing a fresh, modern perspective that was widely admired.

However, it was under the direction of Phoebe Philo that Celine solidified its status in the fashion industry. Appointed as the creative director in 2008, Philo transformed the brand with her minimalist, sophisticated designs. Her focus on clean lines, neutral palettes, and functional elegance created a cult following and profoundly influenced contemporary fashion.

In 2018, Hedi Slimane took the helm as the creative director, introducing a new vision for Celine. Slimane’s approach was notably different, drawing from rock aesthetics and injecting a youthful vigor into the brand. His work, while sometimes polarizing, has undeniably continued to evolve the label, ensuring its relevance in the ever-changing landscape of fashion.