Skip to main content

Celine

French

Now renowned for chic womenswear as well as luxury leather handbags that are often recognized for their iconic gold-tone fastening and hardware, French fashion house Celine got its start in children’s shoes.

In 1945, Céline Vipiana and her husband, Richard, opened a made-to-measure shoe shop for children at 52 rue de Malte in Paris. Designer Céline’s name graced the business, alongside a red elephant designed by French cartoonist Raymond Peynet that served as the company’s first logo.

In 1967, following an expansion into women’s shoes and leather accessories, the Vipianas decided to expand their company’s reach into women’s ready-to-wear, focusing on high-end sportswear. Céline Vipiana, who remained chief designer until her death in 1997, would oversee a range of fashion that would reach an international audience with a pared-down elegance and timeless style.

The company quickly achieved widespread success with its new offerings, most notably its trench coat, which became a staple for the brand. In the 1970s, they expanded outside Paris with boutiques in Monte Carlo, Beverly Hills and Hong Kong. In 1973, Céline Vipiana, inspired by chain links around the Arc de Triomphe, debuted the Blazon Chaîne motif of interlocking C’s. She began using it on a printed canvas and branding as well as accents on accessories, such as the Triomphe bag.

Vipiana’s designs were created to appeal as everyday fashion: Celine skirts, suits, fitted shirts, vests and coats were stylish but rooted in practicality. Quality, too, was paramount; Vipiana’s determination to deliver the best possible leather led to the opening of a studio in Florence, where the brand created its leather goods.

Vipiana died a year after her brand was acquired by Bernard Arnault’s luxury conglomerate LVMH for about $540 million. American designer Michael Kors then took the helm as creative director. Kors, too, was known for practical but chic ready-to-wear. He introduced such luxury staples as cashmere sets, smartly tailored pants and simple slip dresses, plus themed collections around jet-setter locales like Monte Carlo and Tahiti. Following Kors’s departure in 2004, onetime Burberry designer Roberto Menichetti took the job for just a year. He was followed by designer Phoebe Philo, the young British designer who is now credited with establishing Celine’s 21st-century style.

Philo created a distinct, minimal style that channeled the brand’s roots of practical simplicity with luxury materials. (“I just thought I’d clean it up,” she quipped of her debut collection in 2010.) Over the course of ten years, Philo turned the company into a beloved fixture of the fashion industry. In 2018, after Philo’s departure, the house tapped Hedi Slimane, former creative director of Yves Saint Laurent, as its new leader; he caused a stir when he famously removed the accent from the brand name. Controversial though it was, Slimane maintained it was a return to the label’s roots: an exercise in strong simplicity.

Find vintage Celine day dresses, handbags and other items on 1stDibs.

Average Sold Price
$865
Related Designers
1970s Celine Tan Suede Lightweight Jacket
By Celine
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a quintessential 1970s piece! Celine tan suede lightweight jacket/shirt. Oversized very 70's collar with gold tone Celine logo buttons and white top stitching throughout. Patch pockets at hips with small slits at side seams. Left pocket when wearing features a brown Celine horse...
Category

1970s French Celine

Celine Medium Python Phantom Luggage Tote Bag
By Celine
Located in London, GB
This flawlessly bag is crafted in beige python and leather phantom luggage tote bag has been part of Celine's timeless collection, it's designed with i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Celine

OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo white woven basket leather espadrille ankle boots EU38
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo white woven basket leather espadrille ankle boots EU38 Reference: BSHW/A00143 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Leather Color: White, Beige Patte...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Celine

Celine Vintage Monogram Canvas Macadam Brown Travel Bag
By Celine
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Color: Brown and black Material: Coated canvas with leather finishes Item Code: MC98/1 Measures: H 14” x L 20” x D 11” Drop: 5” inch top handle & 20 inch shoulder adjustable shoulder...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Celine

CELINE black viscose SPLIT CUFF LONG SLEEVE Shirt 38 S
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Céline long sleeve Top in black viscose (50%), acetate (42%) and elastane (6%). Featured are two zipper in the back and split cuffs. Opens with a zipper in the back. L...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Celine

Celine Tri Color Leather and Suede Medium Trapeze Top Handle Bag
By Celine
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
In every stride, swing, and twirl, this beautiful Celine bag will stand out. Crafted from leather and suede in Italy, the bag is designed with signature flappy wings and a croc-embos...
Category

2010s Italian Celine

Navy Celine Double-Breasted Wool Jacket Size EU 40
By Celine
Located in New York, NY
>Navy double-breasted wool jacket by Celine. Shawl collar. Dual hip pockets. Button closures at front. 40" bust, 23" shoulder width, 22" sleeve length, 24" length.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Celine

new CELINE By PHOEBE PHILO black dress with ties and cut out back
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Jet-black dress with twisted neckline, ties at hips and cut out at back designed by Phoebe Philo for Celine. French size 36. Approximate measurements: shoulder 13.75", bust 32", wais...
Category

2010s Malagasy Celine

Browse all Fashion from Celine
Shop Now

Designers Similar to Celine

Celine fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Celine fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of red, blue, orange and other tones. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Chloé, Burberry, and Bottega Veneta appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Celine fashion from top boutiques around the world. Celine fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $68 and tops out at $49,500, while the average work can sell for $780.
Questions About Celine
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, Celine is a designer of women's apparel and accessories. Céline and Richard Vipiana founded the luxury fashion house in 1945 in Paris, France. LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton now owns the brand, and its headquarters remain in the city. Hedi Slimane serves as its creative director. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Celine apparel.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
    A Celine bag is manufactured by a French fashion company called Celine. Founded in 1945 by Céline Vipiana and her husband, Richard, the company produces timeless, high-quality, minimalist handbags that are both durable and stylish. Shop a collection of vintage Celine handbags from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    A number of talented designers have designed for Celine over the years. Céline Vipiana founded the French luxury fashion house in 1945 and served as its chief designer until 1997. Since then, Michael Kors, Roberto Menichetti, Ivana Omazic, Phoebe Philo and Hedi Slimane have all contributed to the brand's designs. On 1stDibs, explore an assortment of Celine apparel and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Celine is a luxury handbag company. The brand got its start with husband and wife duo, Richard and Celine Vipiana in 1945 when they opened a custom shoe boutique in Paris. They then branched into handbags, and by the 1970s earned a huge following. Today the bag is still a luxury product and very popular. Shop a collection of vintage and new Celine handbags from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Celine is French, not Italian. The luxury fashion house got its start in 1945 when Céline Vipiana and her husband, Richard, opened a made-to-measure shoe shop for children at 52 rue de Malte in Paris. In 1967, following an expansion into women's shoes and leather accessories, the Vipianas decided to expand their company's reach into women's ready-to-wear, focusing on high-end sportswear. Today, the brand continues to have its headquarters in Paris. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Celine apparel and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To authenticate Celine jewelry, check images of yours against reference pictures of known authentic pieces. A jewelry expert near you can also test metals and other factors to determine authenticity. It’s important to purchase from a vetted seller or vendor to ensure authenticity. While Celine has at times inspired knockoffs, 1stDibs partners with only top-vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    Yes, Celine is a luxury brand. The French fashion house carefully selects fine materials like natural calfskin leather, cashmere and organza silk for its pieces. Plus, skilled artisans craft every item, primarily at Celine's factories in Italy. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Celine apparel, bags and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, the popular Celine Trio handbag has been discontinued. Vintage Celine Trio bags are available for purchase through multiple platforms, including 1stDibs. It’s important to purchase from a vetted seller or vendor to ensure authenticity. While Celine has at times inspired knockoffs, 1stDibs partners with only top-vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Shop a collection of vintage Celine Trip handbags from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    One of the easiest ways to spot a fake Celine Nano bag is to check the stitching. If it is uneven and irregular, that’s a red flag. The logo should also be crisp and clear and in the brand’s font. You can shop a collection of expertly vetted Celine designs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Recently Viewed

View All