History of Luxury: Celine

The history of the luxury brand Celine dates back to 1945 when Céline Vipiana founded the brand along with her husband Richard. Originally, Celine focused on producing shoes and accessories for children. The boutique in Paris offered high-quality craftsmanship and was distinguished by its minimalist elegance.

In the 1950s, Celine expanded its range and began designing women’s clothing. The brand emphasized simple elegance and high-quality materials.

Celine’s designs were characterized by clean lines, precise cuts, and a timeless aesthetic.

The brand quickly gained recognition for its refined craftsmanship and sense of quality.

In the 1960s, Celine’s son, Michel Vipiana, took over the company, marking a period of growth and expansion. Under his leadership, Celine opened new boutiques throughout France and established itself as an international brand.

In the 1970s, Celine continued to expand its presence, opening boutiques in fashion capitals like New York, London, and Tokyo. The brand expanded its range to include accessories such as handbags, shoes, and jewelry. Celine handbags became coveted items symbolizing style and class.

In 1997, Celine was acquired by the prestigious luxury group LVMH, leading to a new era for the brand. Designer Michael Kors was appointed creative director of Celine and revitalized the collections. Kors brought a modern perspective and added a touch of informality and youth to the brand.

Following Michael Kors’ departure in 2004, Italian designer Roberto Menichetti took over as creative director of Celine. He returned to the brand’s original minimalist aesthetic, focusing on high-quality materials and timeless elegance.

A significant turning point in Celine’s history came in 2008 with the arrival of renowned designer Phoebe Philo as creative director. Philo infused a fresh and modern approach into the collections, solidifying the brand’s iconic aesthetic. Her designs were known for their simple elegance and functionality.

Phoebe Philo left Celine in 2018, and designer Hedi Slimane was appointed as the new creative director. Slimane introduced a more rocker and rebellious style, dramatically changing Celine’s image.

Today, Celine is one of the world’s leading luxury brands, known for its timeless elegance, quality craftsmanship, and innovative designs. The brand has gained a loyal following of fashion enthusiasts and celebrities worldwide. Celine boutiques can be found on the most prestigious shopping streets and luxury stores worldwide.

Celine’s history is marked by outstanding designers who merged their own vision with the brand’s legacy, shaping it into what it is today: an icon of luxury fashion.