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 Brown Cut out Back Dress with Bead Trim S/S 2003
By Celine, Michael Kors
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 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 ...
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...
2015 Celine By Phoebe Philo cinnamon and black knit dress with flounced hemline
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Celine by Phoebe Philo, Pre-Fall 2015 Very rare knit dress in marled cinnamon and black designed by Phoebe Philo. The textile is a lightweight fine-gauge knit with a soft, fluid fee...
rare CELINE Phoebe Philo cream mulberry silk cyclist print dress FR38 M
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare CELINE Phoebe Philo cream multicolor mulberry silk cyclist print dress FR38 M Reference: LNKO/A02642 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Silk Color: Cream, Multicolou...
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...
Vintage White Celine Coat Dress
By Celine
Located in London, GB
A super vintage white coat dress by Celine. The coat is made of a heavy viscose ( hangs beautifully) and has all the original buttons. It has a cut a...
CÉLINE BY PHOEBE PHILO SS 16 Asymmetrical sleeveless leather dress
By Celine
Located in Milano, MILANO
Spring Summer 2016 asymmetrical sleeveless leather dress by Céline by Phoebe Philo Knitted ribbing at the waist Wide slits and pockets on the sides No composition tag, leather, cotton
Celine Spring 2016 Phoebe Philo peach open back tie neck dress XS-S
By Celine
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE A lovely and very feminine midi length dress from Celine Spring 2016 in slinky peach viscose Features a U neck line, a cinched waist with a loose skirt, and a beau...
OLD CELINE 2010 Runway Phoebe Philo green wool cashmere cable knit dress S
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE 2010 Runway Phoebe Philo green wool cashmere cable knit dress S Reference: NKLL/A00258 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: Pre fall...
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo 2014 dark green wool mock neck ribbed knit dress S
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo 2014 dark green wool mock neck ribbed knit dress S Reference: TGAS/F00070 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: Fall 2014 Material: Wool, Blend Col...
1990s Celine Sexy Off Shoulder Semi Sheer Asymmetrical Bodycon Black Dress
By Celine
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy CELINE 90s black vintage bodcon dress! This is the perfect little black dress! Features flattering ruching detail thorughout. Semi sheer in all the rig...
COURREGES c.1970s Hyperbole Brown Wool Sleeveless Button-Down Fit & Flare Dress
By Celine
Located in Thiensville, WI
Brand / Manufacturer: Courreges Circa: 1970s Style: Fit & Flare Dress Color(s): Shades of brown Lined: Yes Marked Fabric Content: "95% wool, 5% polyamide" (primary fabric), "100% ace...
CELINE by Phoebe Philo Reversible Studded Maxi Dress – Pre-Fall 2017
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Collectible maxi dress from the Old Celine era – Phoebe Philo’s Pre-Fall 2017 collection. Crafted in fluid red crepe, this standout piece features a silver-studded lambskin leather c...
Dark Green & Multicolor Celine Phoebe Philo Era Knit Mini Dress Size US S
By Celine
Located in New York, NY
Dark green and multicolor knit mini dress by Celine. From the Phoebe Philo Era. Pointed collar. Three-quarter sleeves. 34" bust, 29" waist, 32" length, 17" shoulder width.
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo 2013 navy wool contour cable knit vest dress S
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo 2013 navy wool contour cable knit vest dress S Reference: YIKK/A00218 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: 2013 Material: Wool Color: Navy Pattern...
CELINE black & grey viscose CHECK HIGH NECK LONG SLEEVE KNIT Dress XS
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Céline high neck knit dress in black and charcoal viscose (73%), polyamide (22%), polyester (3%) and elastane (2%). Features long sleeves and a check print. Unlined. H...
Navy Celine Knit Pinafore Dress Size US S
By Celine
Located in New York, NY
Navy knit sleeveless pinafore mini dress by Celine. Scoop neckline. Gold-tone double-breasted button closures at front. 32" bust, 32" waist, 31" length, 12" shoulder width.
CELINE Phoebe Philo nude black asymmetric layered silk sleeve shift dress FR38
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CELINE Phoebe Philo nude black asymmetric layered silk sleeve shift dress FR38 Reference: CC/YEHO00229 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Color: Black, Nude Pattern: Other Closure:...
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 Phoebe Philo Resort 2018 Maxi Dress w/ Cut Outs in Yellow Linen
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in London, GB
CELINE BY PHOEBE PHILO RESORT 2018 GATHERED MAXI DRESS WITH CUT OUTS IN YELLOW LINEN SIZE 38 FR Celine by Phoebe Philo dress in bright yellow linen viscose from the Resort 2018 coll...
Celine Long Elegant Timeless Dress Sz.42
By Celine
Located in Krakow, PL
Sz.42 Very good condition. Has some dirtiness seen on pics. Pre-owned
Celine by Ivana Omazic SS 2009 (Look 17) Strapless White & Lilac Mini Dress
By Celine
Located in London, GB
Celine by Ivana Omazic Spring/Summer 2009 (Look 17) Strapless White & Lilac Mini Dress.
1980s Celine Polka-Dot Dress
By Celine
Located in Paris, FR
Celine 1980s polka-dot dress featuring classic collar front logo button fastening, short sleeves, two chest flap pockets, side seams pockets, straight hem...
CELINE dark blue leather 2012 Short Sleeve Shift Dress 38 S
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Céline by Phoebe Philo short sleeves shift dress in dark blue lambskin leather (100%) with round neck-line and seams detail at the front. Closes with a zipper on the b...
CELINE dark blue leather Short Sleeve Shift Dress 38 S
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
authentic Celine short sleeves shift dress in pigeon blue lambskin leather (100%) with round neck-line and seams detail at the front. Closes with a zipper on the back and has slit po...
CELINE by PHOEBE PHILO moss green cable knit sweater dress
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Moss Green cable-knit sweater dress designed by Phoebe Philo for Celine for the pre fall 2010 collection. Can be worn as a sweater or dress. Size S. Approximate measurements (unstret...
Black Celine Shift Dress
By Celine
Located in London, GB
A chic black shift dress by Celine. The dress is in an acetate mix and lined in silk. It has a flared hem area , and a pocket on either side and back zip opening. Size EU 42 , measu...
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo olive green leather red cream trim mod dress FR38 M
By Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo olive green leather red cream trim mod dress FR38 M Reference: NILI/A00031 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Leather Color: Green, Red Pattern: S...
Celine S/S 2004 Runway Floral Print Silk Dress with Fringed Scarf
By Celine, Michael Kors
Located in PARIS, FR
Seen during the runway, this fluid silk crepe dress features a bold oversized floral print in fuchsia and ivory over a turquoise background. The gently flared silhouette is paired w...
Celine Black Logo Bodycon Silk Blend Dress - Size M
By Celine
Located in Krakow, PL
Elegant Celine black bodycon dress, size M. This chic dress features a subtle logo print and a flattering bodycon fit. Made from a luxurious silk blend, it offers both comfort and st...
Vintage White Celine 2000s Sleeveless Mini Dress Size EU 40
By Celine
Located in New York, NY
Vintage white sleeveless mini dress by Celine. Circa 2000s. Square neckline. Zip closure at back. 30" bust, 27" waist, 37" length, 13" shoulder width.
NWT F/W 2004 Celine by Michael Kors Runway Strapless Leopard Print Silk Gown
By Celine, Michael Kors
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful leopard print Celine gown, designed by Michael Kors. From the Fall/Winter 2004 collection, this strapless dress debuted on the season's runway and features a r...
Celine, Multicoloured dress
By Celine
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Celine, Multicoloured dress with leather part. The item is new with tag. CONDITION: new with tag SIZE: FR38 - S MEASUREMENTS: length 85 cm, width 42 cm, waist 38 cm MATERIAL: li...
Céline Brown Marl Knitted Midi Dress Size S
By Celine
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to dress is evident on this used Céline designer resale item. Details Brown Cotton Midi dress Marl k...
1980s Celine Camel Cotton Safari Dress
By Celine
Located in Paris, FR
Celine camel safari cotton dress featuring classic collar front logo button fastening, short sleeves, two chest flap pockets, side seams pockets, straight hem. Composition: 100% Cott...
CELINE black & white viscose COLORBLOCK SLEEVELESS SHIFT Dress 34 XXS
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Céline 'Depose' dress in black and white viscose (50%), acetate (47%) and elastane (3%). Features two slit pockets on the side. Opens with a concealed zipper and a hoo...
Celine, kobalt blue silk blend dress
By Celine
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Celine, kobalt blue silk blend dress. The item has a few stains on the bottom and one on the sleeve.
Céline Vintage Shamrock Print Cotton Tie-Belt Day Dress
By Celine
Located in Nice, FR
CELINE vintage shamrock print cotton tie-belt day dress. This dress features : - Loose fit. - Wide neckline. - Button shoulder at both sides. - Side pockets. - Matching belt. - Unli...
Celine, black draped dress
By Celine
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Celine, black draped dress with side pockets. The item is in good condition.
Celine, tricolor halter dress
By Celine
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Celine, tricolor halter dress with side pockets. The item is in good condition. There are two very small stains on the back.
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 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 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...
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 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 ...