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.
Celine S/S 2004 hibiscus print suit cotton silk
By Celine
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Celine S/S 2004 hibiscus print suit cotton silk size 38 S/S 2004 excellent condition Material: 71% cotton, 29% silk Country of Manufacture: France Additional Info: blue and white ...
$810Sale Price|20% Off
Celine Silk Printed Blouse & Skirt Set - Size FR44
By Celine
Located in Krakow, PL
Step out in style with this stunning Celine silk set! This elegant two-piece outfit features a beautifully printed blouse and a matching skirt, perfect for making a sophisticated sta...
CELINE by PHOEBE PHILO black boucle knit cardigan with red buttons
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Black, boucle knit cardigan with extra long arms and red buttons designed by Phoebe Philo for Celine. Size 'XS'. Approximate measurements: (unstretched): ...
Vintage CELINE PARIS Horse Carriage Buckle Dark Brown Leather Belt
By Celine
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage CELINE PARIS Horse Carriage Buckle Dark Brown Leather Belt Measurements: Buckle Height: 1.97 inches (5 cm) Buckle Width: 3.15 inches (8 cm cm) Strap Height: 1.97 inches (5 cm) Wearable Length: 25.98 inches to 31.89 inches (66 cm to 81 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic CELINE PARIS. - Dark brown leather with gold Celine horse carriage...
$1,680Sale Price|30% Off
CELINE Hedi Slimane Runway Casaque white silk foulard reversible bomber FR34
By Hedi Slimane, Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CELINE Hedi Slimane Runway Casaque white silk foulard reversible bomber FR34 Reference: AAWC/A00122 Brand: Celine Designer: Hedi Slimane Model: 2V2...
$1,359Sale Price|20% Off
Celine New Gold Quilted Cross Body Bag
By Celine
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Celine Brand New Laminated Gold Quilted Calfskin Cross body Bag with gold metal C charm. Adjustable shoulder shoulder strap and a front zipper pocket. Beige fabric interior lining. C...
Celine Checked Wool Jacket
By Celine
Located in London, GB
Celine Checked Wool Jacket Brown blazer crafted in wool and designed with check pattern. Featuring button centre closure and buttoned cuffs. Detailed with notched lapels and two welt pockets...
Céline Grey Logo Short Sleeve Hoodie Size L
By Celine
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very Good. Hardly any visible wear to the hoodie is evident on this used Céline designer resale item. Details Grey Cotton Hoodie Short sleeves Drawstring fastenin...
Céline Grey Logo Short Sleeve Hoodie Size L
By Celine
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very Good. Hardly any visible wear to the hoodie is evident on this used Céline designer resale item. Details Grey Cotton Hoodie Short sleeves Drawstring fasteni...
Celine CT-01 High Top Sneakers in White and Gray
By Celine
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Celine CT-01 High Top Sneakers in White and Gray in Calfskin and suede, Mesh lining. Rubber outsoles with Celine logo. Additional information: Material: Calfskin and suede Color: ...
CELINE Jane Low optic white canvas leather triomphe logo platform sneakers EU35
By Hedi Slimane, Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CELINE Jane Low optic white canvas leather triomphe logo platform sneakers EU35 Reference: YIKK/A00267 Brand: Celine Designer: Hedi Slimane Model: Jane Low Material: Canvas, Leather ...
$1,514Sale Price|41% Off
Celine Prince of Wales Check Coat FR40 / L
By Celine
Located in Krakow, PL
Elevate your wardrobe with this timeless Celine coat designed by Hedi Slimane, featuring the iconic Prince of Wales check. This refined piece showcases a straight silhouette, button ...
Celine, Palm tree leather dancing kid jacket
By Celine, Hedi Slimane
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Celine, Palm tree leather dancing kid jacket. The item is new with tag. CONDITION: new with tag SIZE: IT48 - M MEASUREMENTS: length 65 cm, width 56 cm, ...
Celine, black draped dress
By Celine
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Celine, black draped dress with side pockets. The item is in good condition.
Céline Paris Silk Scarf "Wheels of Hat"
By Celine
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Céline Paris Silk Scarf "Wheels of Hat". This beautiful scarf represent a wheels of hat with vibrant and bold colors, making this a really slight after piece among collectors. This s...
Celine, Christian Barclay classic biker jacket
By Celine
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Celine, Christian Barclay classic biker jacket. The item is in very good condition.
Celine Navy Ribbed Wool Logo Appliqued Scarf
By Celine
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Celine Navy Ribbed Wool Logo Appliqued Scarf SKU: 151055 Condition: Pristine Condition Comments: Item has no indication of wear. Model: Logo Appliqued Scarf Accessorie...
Céline Orange Leather Buckle Detail Sandals Size IT 38
By Celine
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Good. General wear to shoes is evident. Moderate signs of wear to both sides, heels and footbeds of both shoes with marks and abrasions to the leather on this used Célin...
Celine, satin slip-on sneaker
By Celine
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Celine, satin slip-on sneaker in blue. The item has minor signs of wear on the satin and the sole is slightly discolored.
Celine, Basic white shirt with round neck
By Celine
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Celine, Basic white shirt with round neck. The item is in very good condition.
$144Sale Price|20% Off
CELINE Size M Brown Beige Color Block 2 Pockets Cardigan
By Celine
Located in San Francisco, CA
CELINE cardigan in a brown and beige knit featuring a color block style, extra long design, two pockets, and gold tone metal button closure.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Minor mark....
Celine by Michael Kors vintage back zip ruched stretch skirt 36
By Celine
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI Vintage Celine by Michael Kors vintage black stretch skirt Celine engraved brass center zip Longer at the back SHIPPING - Due to the low item...
Celine Straight Longsleeve Top with Eco-Leather Detail, S
By Celine
Located in Krakow, PL
Celine Straight Longsleeve with Eco-Leather Insert – Size S Condition: Good Description of wear: Signs of use, including a stain on the fabric and a defect on the collar material F...
Celine Black Shearling Leather Sleeves Coat Sz.IT40/S
By Celine
Located in Krakow, PL
Elevate your wardrobe with this distinctive Celine shearling coat. Designed with a relaxed fit, it features a zip and snap-button closure. This l...
Celine silvery trousers
By Celine
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CÉLINE - Blended cotton trousers with a silvery-color varnish. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Waist: 36 cm - Hips: 44 cm - Length: 110 cm ...
Vintage Celine VC 1518 Office Siren Sunglasses 1990's Made in Italy
By Celine
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Celine Sleek Black Frame Sporting Light Rose Lenses. In The Style Of The Ones Worn By Bella Hadid. Made In Italy. Front 13.5 Cms ...
CELINE "cartouches" Belt
By Celine
Located in Paris, FR
Authentic Vintage Céline "cartouches" belt with military inspiration. It is in brown leather and aged gold metal. Double wrap belt to wear on the hips. 5 holes. In very good shape. ...
NWOT Celine Fitted Paisley Print Dress Sz.42/XL
By Celine
Located in Krakow, PL
Celine – Fitted Paisley Print Dress Size: FR42 XL Condition: Never worn Condition Details: No visible signs of use Style: Dress Material – Main: 100% Wool Material – Secondary: ...
Celine Blue Triomphe Logo Bomber Jacket - Size XS
By Celine
Located in Krakow, PL
Elevate your wardrobe with this stylish Celine bomber jacket! This jacket is in very good condition and features the iconic Triomphe logo. Perfect for adding a touch of luxury to any...
CELINE Vintage Orange & Brown Printed Wool Sweater Size 6 8
By Celine
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage Celine sweater is composed of a black and orange wool. Features center front gold buttons with front pockets. In excellent vintage ...
Celine Deep V-neck Wrapped Black Dress - '10s
By Celine
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A versatile dress complimenting minimalistic fashion, the Celine Deep V-neck Wrapped Black Dress is a flattering piece that embraces the feminine silhouette while creating a reserved...
Celine Cream & Navy Striped Sweater sz L
By Celine
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Celine Cream & Navy Striped Sweater, size L This pullover sweater is made in Italy. 58% Viscose, 38% Cotton, 4% Polyester Sleeves can be rolled to reveal a smaller striped design The...
Celine Blue Wide Leg Jeans Sz.26
By Celine
Located in Krakow, PL
Sz.26 Very good condition. Hanger is not included Pre-owned
Celiné by Phoebe Philo Pre-Fall 2018 Green Puffer Hooded Vest
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Milano, IT
- Designed by Phoebe Philo - Sold by Skof.Archive - Green Puffer Vest - Long Fit - Hooded - Zipper Closure - Lace details at the bottom - Made in France - Excellent Condition - Mater...
Celine Vintage Long Dress - '00s
By Celine
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Expertly crafted by Celine, this vintage dress exudes sophistication and style. The pleats at the hem add a unique and fun silhouette with the slits in between, while the deep round ...
Celine Black Leather Bootie, Size 38
By Celine
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: The boots feature animal skin finish and ankle style with 3” heel height.
CELINE Cream/ Ivory Knit Top, Size Large
By Celine
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: The top features cream color, crew neck line, sleeveless design with slit details on the sides, designed by Celine. Made in Italy.
Celine 50 Vintage Triomphe Blue Duffle Bag
By Celine
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Celine signature duffel bag, size 50, made of canvas in the Triomphe pattern with blue leather inserts and gold hardware. Equipped with a semicircular double-slider zipper closure a...
CELINE Size XXL Black White Plaid Viscose Cotton Button Down Long Sleeve Shirt
By Celine
Located in San Francisco, CA
CELINE long sleeve shirt in a black and white viscose cotton woven fabric featuring a plaid pattern, spread collar, and button closure. Note: this garment has been professionally alt...
CELINE Size 5.5 Black Brown Leather Derby Almond Toe Lace-Up Shoes
By Celine
Located in San Francisco, CA
CELINE derby shoes in a black leather with brown leather soles featuring a lace-up closure.Good Pre-Owned Condition. Moderate creasing. Marked: IT 35.5Outsole: 10 inches x 3.5 i...
Celine Navy Blazer Jacket, Size 36
By Celine
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: The jacket is made out of 94% wool, featuring 3/4 length sleeves with three silver tone buttons and front matching buttons closure.
Celine Paris Silk Scarf "Bijoux"
By Celine
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Celine Paris Silk Scarf "Bijoux". This beautiful scarf has vibrant and bold colors that are perfect for winter or autumn. The design really represents the brands fascinations with go...
Celine Black Silk Mini Dress, Size 42
By Celine
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: Black 100% silk asymmetrical style dress designed by Celine, featuring mini length and silver tone rear zip closure. Made in France.
Celine Grey Green Olive Suede Button-Down Shirt Top Size 38
By Celine
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Celine Grey Green Olive Suede Button-Down Shirt Top Size 38 Product details: Size FR 38 100% goat leather Half front button closure Collar detail Featuring one pocket on each side ...
Celine Natural Tan Canvas Calfskin Mini Vertical Cabas
By Celine
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Celine Natural Tan Canvas Calfskin Mini Vertical Cabas SKU: 143220 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Pristine Condition Comments: Item has no indication of wear...
Celine White Cotton Long Sleeves Blouse Top Size 40
By Celine
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: Featuring 100% cotton, crew neck line, flare sleeves detail, concealed rear zip closure.
Celine White Denim Mini Skirt, Size 40
By Celine
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: The skirt features floral cut offs on the bottom of the skirt, mini length and silver tone hardware.
Celine Navy Purple Wool Skirt With Gold Link
By Celine
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage navy purple Celine skirt featuring box pleats, a hidden zipper on the side back, and a thin black belt...
Céline Navy Polkadot Belted Tapered Trousers Size S
By Celine
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the trousers is evident. Minimal wear to the beside the centre back seam where plucks to the weave are visible on this used Céline designer re...
$616Sale Price|61% Off
90s Celine Black Wool V-Shaped Neckline Long Dress
By Celine
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Celine black wool long dress. - V-Shaped Neckline. - Slit hem in front. - Back zip closure. - Size 40. - Shoulder: 15 inches. Bust: 3...
CELINE Size 9 Yellow Leather Slip On Sneakers
By Celine
Located in San Francisco, CA
CELINE sneakers in a yellow leather featuring a low top style, rubber sole, and slip on closure. Shoe trees not included. Made in Italy.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Multiple minor ...
$215Sale Price|20% Off
CELINE Size 4 Charcoal Wool Wide Leg Dress Pants
By Celine
Located in San Francisco, CA
CELINE dress pants comes in a charcoal wool / elastane featuring a wide leg, metal chain detail, and a zip fly closure. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: 40 Measurements: ...