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.
Céline 2016 Robe Noir FR40 Phoebe Philo Black Straight Dress UK12 US8 NEW Celine
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in PARIS, FR
Celine dress by Phoebe Philo, Cruise 2016 collection, in heavyweight black cotton (55%) and wool blend, straight cut, classic collar, short sleeves, front panel (wool) held in place ...
CELINE black Box leather 2017 CLASP MEDIUM TOP HANDLE Bag
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Céline by Phoebe Philo Clasp Medium top handle bag in black Patina Box leather, showcasing a sleek, structured silhouette with clean architectural lines and a refined,...
Celine Vintage Macadam monogram Boston Handbag Bag
By Celine
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
This vintage Celine Boston bag is a timeless expression of the house’s understated Parisian elegance, crafted in the iconic Macadam coated canvas with refined tan leather trim. Feat...
CELINE pink brown transparent ROUND Sunglasses CL40186I
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Céline round sunglasses in transparent pink acetate, presenting an oversized, sculptural silhouette that showcases the frame's luminous, crystal-clear construction to ...
Celine Silk Tuxedo Suit 1990s
By Celine
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk pants and jacket suit by Celine. The suit has a subtle tuxedo influence via a matching slightly shiny narrow line of silk along each shoulder extending down to ...
Vintage Celine Strip Shopper Bag
By Celine
Located in London, GB
A wonderful vintage shopper by Celine. The bag has a leather upper area with fringe detail. The body of the bag is in horizontal stripes. Inside there is an internal pouch pocket an...
Celine Gold Leather Large Bolide Bag
By Celine
Located in Paris, FR
Celine Gold leather large Bolide bag featuring a detachable leather shoulder strap 42.1 in. (107 cm), a top zip fastening, a large Bolide shape, red leather lining, an inside zipped ...
CELINE burgundy leather 2019 MANON SHEARLING LINED OVER KNEE Boots Shoes 37
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Celine Manon boots in burgundy leather fully lined in cream shearling. Features a soft rounded toe, an over-the-knee pull-on shaft, and contrast shearling trim peeking...
Celine Brown Cut out Back Dress with Bead Trim S/S 2003
By Michael Kors, Celine
Located in Water Mill, NY
A very chic brown jersey dress by Michael Kors for Celine. It has rows of brown wooden bead adorned fine straps emanating from the front neckli...
Celine Green Leather Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Paris, FR
Celine Green leather shoulder bag featuring a detachable shoulder handle (41.3in. (105cm)), an embossed leather “Triomphe” at front strap, a front snap fastening, gold-tone hardware,...
Celine Brown Calf Leather Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Paris, FR
Rare Celine Brown calf leather shoulder bag featuring calf leather crocodile effect, inside 3 compartments, a gold-tone logo stamp, a front round closure, an adjustable shoulder str...
Celine 2022 Veste FR40 Slimane Checkered Double Breasted Jacket UK12 US8 Céline
By Hedi Slimane, Celine
Located in PARIS, FR
Celine jacket circa 2022 by Hedi Slimane in tartan or check wool fabric in shades of beige accented with ochre and black threads, straight cut, notched lapel with double-breasted clo...
Celine Navy Double Breasted Rare Vicuna Wool Coat
By Celine
Located in Paris, FR
Celine navy Vicuna wool double-breasted coat featuring double-breasted closure, long sleeves, front patch pockets, vicuna wool-cashmere blend. Circa 1980s Made in France In Good Vint...
2000s Celine by Michael Kors Black Bodycon Logo Ring Gold Strap Backless Dress
By Celine, Michael Kors
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This black stretch Celine dress from the early 2000s by Michael Kors is crafted with a sleek bodycon silhouette. The design features a low back framed by gold-tone chain straps that ...
Celine Black Leather Triomphe Clutch Bag
By Celine
Located in Paris, FR
Celine Black leather “Triomphe” clutch bag featuring camel leather finishing, a front gold-tone “Triomphe” detail, a snap closure under top flap, an inside zipped pocket, inside gold...
CELINE beige silk 2023 BANDANA PRINT TWILL OVERSIZED Shirt 38 S
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
Celine shirt in beige banana print twill silk (100%). Designed in an oversized silhouette with a relaxed draped collar and chest patch pocket. Finished with luminous mother-of-pearl ...
CELINE Vintage Floral Linen Bustier Corset Style
By Celine
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Celine Vintage Salmon coral color Bustier corset style Underwire cups with a light padding This item is extremely well-made 100% linen Size F40 fits like an XS/S Excellent Condition,...
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo 2016 viscose open back tie pleated midi dress FR34 XS
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo 2016 nude viscose open back tie pleated midi dress FR34 XS Reference: TGAS/F01026 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Viscose Color: Nude Pattern: ...
CELINE beige & brown Triomphe canvas LARGE CABAS THAIS SHOPPING Tote Bag
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Celine Large Cabas Thais shopper is crafted in off-white canvas with an allover brown Triomphe motif. A cognac brown leather Triomphe patch accents the front, add...
$549Sale Price|40% Off
New Celine Patent Leather Brown Platform Heels Sz 39
By Celine
Located in Conroe, TX
Celine Platform Heels Brand New * Stunning in Brown Patent Leather * Contrast Stitching Throughout * Size: 39 * Gunmetal Hardware reads Celine * Leathe...
CELINE black wool 2018 DOUBLE FACE HOODED PONCHO Jacket S
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Celine by Phoebe Philo poncho in navy blue double-face wool (100%) merges the relaxed essence of a hoodie with the elegance of a poncho. Designed with an oversize...
CELINE tan brown leather SUNGLASSES POUCH Crossbody Bag
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Celine sunglasses case in tan leather is a refined accessory crafted for effortless sophistication. Featuring a thin crossbody strap and contrasting beige stitchi...
Celine Black Velvet Clutch Bag
By Celine
Located in Paris, FR
Celine Black velvet clutch bag featuring an envelope shape, a front gold-tone hardware logo fastening, black leather finishing, inside camel lining and an inside compartment. Circa...
Celine Triomphe Small Cabas Two-Way Handbag White x Green
By Celine
Located in Indianapolis, IN
The Celine Triomphe Small Cabas Two-Way Handbag in White x Green is a fresh and elegant piece that blends casual charm with refined craftsmanship. Crafted from Thaïse cotton with lea...
Céline Pochette Enveloppe 1985s Leather Denim Navy Diamond Clutch Celine
By Celine
Located in PARIS, FR
Céline clutch circa 1985 Diamond Clutch (or Envelope) shape in blue denim-style canvas trimmed with navy blue leather, beige canvas interior, gold metal tilting Céline clasp. Width 2...
Lilac Leather "LUGGAGE" bag Céline by Phoebe Philo
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Lilac Leather "LUGGAGE" bag. One outside pocket with zip closure. One inside pocket with zip closure and two flat pockets ( without zip) Middle top zip closure. Silver metal studs un...
CELINE navy blue cotton LOGO OVERSIZED FLEECE Sweater M
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Celine sweatshirt is crafted in navy blue fleece cotton for a soft, comfortable feel. It features an oversized silhouette with dropped shoulders, a crewneck, long...
$1,704Sale Price|20% Off
1970's Celine Ostrich Cognac Leather Triomphe Bag Small
By Le Triomphe, Celine
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Rare vintage Celine Triomphe ostrich leather petit shoulder bag. Made in France -Collectors item- We offer more exclusive items, view our frontstore Details: This bag is made of ...
CELINE By HEDI SLIMANE F/W 2019 "Unlock Your Fantasies" Grey Wool Jacket
By Hedi Slimane, Celine
Located in Berlin, BE
Brand: Celine Designer: Hedi Slimane Collection / Year: Fall Winter 2019 Material: 100% wool / lining 100% viscose / leather 100% lamb leather Color: grey / black Size: 46 Made in I...
$3,512Sale Price|20% Off
CELINE black & olive CALF HAIR MINI LUGGAGE Tote Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
Céline 'Mini Luaggabe' tote in olive calf hair with black calf hair gussets and black leather details. Zipper pocket on the front. Closes with a zipper on top. Lined in black leather...
CELINE orange LOLA OVAL Sunglasses CL41445S
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Céline CL41445/S Lola oval sunglasses in burnt orange acetate with grey lenses. Have been worn and show a very faint scratch on the right lens. Overall in excellent co...
2017 Celine By Phoebe Philo floral jumpsuit dress
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in San Fransisco, CA
A floral printed jumpsuit by Phoebe Philo for Celine, from the resort 2017 collection. It was made with a softly fitted bodice that’s shaped through gentle ruching at the front, lead...
Celine, Tricolor leather luggage tote
By Celine
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Celine, Tricolor leather luggage tote. The item has some small signs of wear on the leather, overall in good condition.
CELINE red leather 2017 CLASP MINI Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Céline Clasp Mini shoulder bag is crafted from red smooth calfskin, accented with elegant gold-tone hardware for a sleek, minimalist design. The interior is lined...
CELINE black & white wool PINSTRIPE CLASSIC Blazer Jacket 34 XXS
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
authentic Celine classic pinstripe blazer in black and white wool (100%) with a notch collar. Has two front decorative flap pockets. Closes on the front with a button. Lined in visco...
Céline circa 1990 Robe daim noir FR40 Black Suede Maxi Dress UK12 US8 Celine
By Celine
Located in PARIS, FR
Celine dress circa 1990 in black suede, maxi tunic or shirt style, below-the-knee length, round neck fastened with five gold-tone metal snap buttons, long sleeves with matching butto...
Celine by Phoebe Philo FW2010 Mod Button Coat (XS)
By Celine
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Celine by Phoebe Philo Fall Winter 2010, Look 4. Double breasted crew neck coat with thigh slit in navy blue wool. 1960's mod inspired silhouette. Black metal buttons. Two side pocke...
Celine Macadam Canvas Boston Hand Bag
By Celine
Located in Paris, FR
Celine Boston Macadam coated canvas hand bag featuring brown “Macadam” monogram canvas with brown leather trim, brown rolled leather handles, top zip clo...
OLD CELINE 2011 Phoebe Philo cotton denim bateau boat neck 3/4 sleeve top FR40 S
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE 2011 Phoebe Philo blue cotton denim bateau boat neck 3/4 sleeve top FR40 S Reference: DYTG/A00084 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: Spring/Summer 2011 - Run...
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
CELINE black viscose cAP SLEEVE TURTLENECK MIDI SHIFT Dress 38 S
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Céline by Phoebe Philo shift dress in black viscose (57%) and silk (43%). Features a high rise draped collar and deconstructed details. Has two slit pockets at the sid...
Celine Brown Triomphe Monogram Suede Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Paris, FR
Celine Brown “Triomphe” suede leather shoulder bag featuring an all-over “Triomphe” motive, a top zip fastening, an oval shape, a brown adjustable leather shoulder strap (50 in. (127...
$164Sale Price|20% Off
Celine x Phoebe Philo Women's Black Leather Heeled Oxfords Size 36
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in London, GB
Super cool Celine x Phoebe Philo heeled Oxfords from the Resort 2015 Collection. Made from semi patent black leather with chunky heels and elongated toes. Size 36. Measures approx - ...
White leather top handle bag CELINE
By Celine
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White leather top handle bag with black nylon branded lining. 2 flat pocket inside + one with zip closure. Flat pocket without closure on both side. Numbered : PR-dg - 0077 SIZE : 3...
Red crossbody grained leather bag Celine Circa 1980's
By Celine
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Red crossbody grained leather bag with brande clasp on the middle front. Red leather lining. One inside pocket with zip closure and fabric lining. Adjustable shoulder strap. SIZE :...
CELINE orange taupe black leather 2015 NANO LUGGAGE TRI-COLOR Bag
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Celine Nano Luggage tri-colored tote bag in bright orange smooth calfskin, accented with black leather trims and taupe gussets, is a striking take on the iconic d...
Vintage Green Celine Lizard Handbag
By Celine
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Green Celine Lizard Handbag. This handbag features a lizard skin body, gold-tone hardware, dual flat shoulder straps, and a top closure. 11" L x...
Cèline Phoebe Philo '18 Small Big Bag in Cherry Red Supple Calfskin Trapeze Tote
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in San Diego, CA
authentic Cèline Small Big Bag in Cherry Red Supple Leather w/ Long Shoulder Strap Add a masterpiece of "Old Céline" to your collection with this stunning Small Big Bag from the Sum...
CELINE black acetate BOLD 3 DOT SQUARE Sunglasses CL40277I
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Celine Bold 3 Dot sunglasses in black acetate offer a sleek, modern look with grey lenses. They feature a beveled frame and distinctive wide temples, finished wi...
CELINE navy blue leather & suede TRAPEZE MEDIUM Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Céline Trapeze shoulder bag in navy grained and smooth calfskin and navy suede side parts. One zipper pocket on the back. Opens with zipper on top. Lined in brown lamb...
Celine Boogie Suede Triomphe Hand Bag
By Celine
Located in Paris, FR
Celine Sand suede leather “Boogie” handbag featuring a signature “Triomphe” pattern on the suede, brown leather details, gold tone hardware, compartments with top logo zipper closure...
$288Sale Price|20% Off
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo red silky bias cut Triomphe anagram tank top
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo red silky bias cut Triomphe anagram tank top Reference: NKLL/A00501 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Feels like silk Color: Red Pattern: Solid C...
Céline Pochette Cuir Noir Phoebe Philo Black Smooth Leather Clutch Bag Celine
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in PARIS, FR
Céline clutch by Phoebe Philo in thick, smooth, matte black leather, unlined interior, flap closure with a leather-covered snap. Width 21 cm x height 14.5 cm x depth 4 cm. The leathe...
Celine Wrap Bodycon Dress
By Celine
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous red jersey dress from Celine. It has a wide V neckline, 3/4 length sleeves and a wrapped ruched bodice. The dress is semi fitted through ...
CELINE Indigo blue PYTHON CLASSIC MEDIUM BOX Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Céline Medium Classic Bag in Indigo (purple blue) pithon featuring gold-tone hardware. Opens with a push-lock on the front. The inside is divided into two compartments...
OLD CELINE 2011 Phoebe Philo Triomphe button mid waist cropped straight jeans
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE 2011 Phoebe Philo Triomphe button mid waist cropped straight leg jeans FR38 M Reference: DYTG/A00133 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: Spring/Summer 2011 M...
$450Sale Price|25% Off
CELINE Phoebe Philo cream cotton silk tie front straight jacket FR36 S
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CELINE Phoebe Philo cream cotton silk tie front straight jacket FR36 S Reference: JACG/A00238 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Cotton, Silk Color: Cream Pattern: Solid ...
$432Sale Price|20% Off
CELINE Cabas Phantom dark blue leather silver logo medium tote bag
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CELINE Cabas Phantom dark blue leather silver logo medium tote bag Reference: CNPG/A00119 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Model: Cabas Phanto...
$1,632Sale Price|20% Off
OLD CELINE 2017 Runway blue colorblock reversed pleated hem shirt dress
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE 2017 Runway blue colorblock reversed pleated hem shirt dress Reference: LNKO/A02610 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: SS2017 - Runway Material: Fabric Color: Blue, Green Pattern: Solid Closure: Button Extra Details: Pre-owned Spring 2017 Celine blue dress...
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
CELINE Teen Triomphe black shiny calfskin gold anagram logo crossbody bag
By Celine, Hedi Slimane
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CELINE Teen Triomphe black shiny calfskin gold anagram logo crossbody bag Reference: YIKK/A00263 Brand: Celine Designer: Hedi Slimane Model: Teen Triomphe Material: Leather Color: Bl...
$1,248Sale Price|20% Off
CELINE C Bag Runway black gold scaled leather fringe C clasp crossbody box bag
By Celine, Hedi Slimane
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CELINE C Bag Runway black gold scaled leather fringe C clasp crossbody box bag Reference: ECLO/A00169 Brand: Celine Designer: Hedi Slimane Model: C Bag Collection: Spring Summer 2019...