Celine, founded in 1945 by Céline Vipiana as a made-to-measure children’s shoe boutique, has since evolved into the epitome of Parisian chic—a brand that whispers elegance rather than shouts it. The real turning point came in 2008 when Phoebe Philo took the reins, transforming Celine into a minimalist’s dream and making “It” bags that defined a decade. Philo’s departure in 2017 left fashion insiders in mourning, only for Hedi Slimane to take over and promptly send the brand in a radically different direction—think rock ‘n’ roll rebellion instead of understated sophistication. While Slimane’s vision has sparked controversy and divided Celine’s loyal following, it has also reinvigorated the brand’s commercial success, proving that even in the rarefied world of luxury, nothing is sacred. Celine’s legacy? A masterclass in reinvention, where every new era is a stark departure from the last, yet somehow, the allure remains.
