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 Fall 2019 Size 9 Black White Marbled Canvas Lace-Up Sneakers
By Celine
Located in San Francisco, CA
CELINE Fall 2019 sneakers in a black and white canvas featuring a marbled design, low top style, and lace-up closure. Comes with box. Made in Italy.New with Box. Marked: 19001092...
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.
Vintage Celine Polo Shirt
By Celine
Located in London, GB
A chic shirt from Celine. The shirt is 100 % cotton and has a 3 button front opening.
Celine, red leather waist belt
By Celine
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Celine, red leather waist belt. The item is in very good condition. CONDITION: very good condition SIZE: M MEASUREMENTS: length 106 cm, width 5 cm MATERIAL: leather COLOR: red
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 ...
Celine Royal Blue Python Tricolor Mini Luggage Tote
By Celine
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
From the Fall/Winter 2012 Collection by Phoebe Philo. Featuring a casual yet luxurious style, it is simple and distinctive with its sturdy handles and detailed stitching. This Mini l...
Celine Brown Triomphe Canvas Mini Vertical Cabas
By Celine
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Celine Brown Triomphe Canvas Mini Vertical Cabas SKU: 149901 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Pristine Condition Comments: Item has no indication of wear. Bra...
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 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 High Heels in Pale Pink and White Leather Size 37
By Celine
Located in Paris, FR
Céline High heels in pale pink and white leather. Silver metal hardware. Size 37. In very good condition. Dimensions : Heel height: 13 cm, insole length: 25 cm Will be delivered i...
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 Black Signature Print Bomber Jacket - Size S (FR36)
By Celine
Located in Krakow, PL
Elevate your wardrobe with this stunning Celine bomber jacket, featuring the iconic Celine signature print! This stylish jacket boasts a sleek, tapered silhouette that effortlessly c...
Celine Brown Triomphe Canvas MIni Vertical Cabas
By Celine
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Celine Brown Triomphe Canvas MIni Vertical Cabas SKU: 149902 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Pristine Condition Comments: Item has no indication of wear. Bra...
$1,483Sale Price|42% 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 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 Signature Multi-Color Silk Scarf
By Celine
Located in New York, NY
Celine wonderfully detailed signature multi-color silk scarf measures 34" x 34" with finished hand-rolled edges, made in Italy.
Céline Translucent Blue Clear Tote with Pouch 240870
By Celine
Located in Dix hills, NY
Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 12" Width: 1" Height: 7.75" Handle Drop: 11" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Accessories: Pouch Signs of Wear: Exterior Leather and T...
Céline Navy Blue Monogram Macadam Messenger Bag 7cel123
By Celine
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: CE00/34 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 9.5" Width: 2" Height: 6.5" Shoulder Handle Drop: 22" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Signs of Wear:...
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 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, black draped dress
By Celine
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Celine, black draped dress with side pockets. The item is in good condition.
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 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 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...
Céline Mini Bedazzled Bag
By Celine
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Céline Mini is a dazzling, compact statement piece that brings glamour to Céline’s minimalist design heritage. Covered front-to-back in tone-on-tone silver bedazzle , the bag fea...
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...
$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...