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.
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...
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,...
$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 by Michael Kors Vintage y2k White Cotton Trompe-l’œil Gold Chain Tank Top
By Celine
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Céline by Michael Kors printed gold chain logo white cotton sleeveless top. White sleeveless cotton tank top featuring a trompe-l’œil gold chain necklace print draped across the nec...
$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 ...
NEW 2013 CELINE by PHOEBE PHILO plaid cotton runway top with draped neck
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Plaid cotton runway top with draped neckline and French cuffs designed by Phoebe Philo for Celine exactly as seen on the fall 2013 runway. French size 38. Approximate measurements: d...
CELINE T-shirt Logo "Celine 16 Paris"
By Celine
Located in Iba, PH
CELINE T-shirt Logo - LOOSE CELINE 16 PARIS Black/White T-shirt. A crew neck short-sleeved T-shirt with a bold "CELINE 16 PARIS" logo on the front. This pie...
Black & White Celine Cropped Bra Top Size US S
By Celine
Located in New York, NY
Black and white cropped bra top by Celine. Crew neck. Elasticized band at hem. 22" bust, 7" shoulder width, 12.5" length.
Céline 2010 Jupe FR40 Phoebe Philo Navy Army Skirt UK12 US10 Celine
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in PARIS, FR
Céline skirt by Phoebe Philo (probably from her first Resort 2010 collection) in navy blue almost black satin viscose, slightly trapeze shape decorated with a pocket with box pleats ...
Celine by Hedi Slimane 2020 Men's Oversized Cotton Plaid Shirt Size 39
By Celine, Hedi Slimane
Located in Berlin, BE
Celine by Hedi Slimane Oversized Plaid Shirt Brand: Celine Designer: Hedi Slimane Collection: 2020 Fabric: 100% Cotton Color: Brown / Black Size: 39 Made in Japan At Celine, Hedi ...
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo 2011 Runway blue patchwork denim button-up shirt FR36 S
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo 2011 Runway blue patchwork denim button-up shirt FR36 S Reference: MECG/A00255 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: Resort 2011 - Runway Material:...
Celine Silk Black Corset Top
By Celine
Located in London, GB
Celine silk corset top features a sculpted silhouette, a black silk fluid fabric at the front, strapless neckline, softly flared overlay that drapes beautifully over a structured kni...
Light Blue & White Celine Striped Cotton Button-Up Top
By Celine
Located in New York, NY
Light blue and white striped button button-up top by Celine. Nehru collar. Single bust pocket. Front button closures. 42" bust, 18.5" shoulder width, 32" length.
$432Sale Price|20% Off
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo blue pinstripe flare cuffed shirt top FR34 XS
By Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo blue pinstripe flare cuffed shirt top FR34 XS Reference: YIKK/A00135 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: Circa 2016 Material: Cotton Color: White...
$424Sale Price|20% Off
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo white cotton silver d ring belt minimal shirt FR36 S
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo white cotton silver d ring belt minimal shirt FR36 S Reference: NKLL/A00168 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Feels li...
Celine by Phoebe Philo 2010's Asymmetric Zipped Black Top
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in Caserta, IT
- Designed by Phoebe Philo - 2010's Period - Asymmetric Zipped Sleeveless Tank Top - Asymmetrical gold-tone zipper running diagonally down the front - Round crew neck - Relaxed, loos...
Celine Striped Oversize Knit Jumper Sweater Size M
By Celine
Located in Krakow, PL
Celine – Striped Oversize Jumper Size: M Condition: Excellent Condition Details: No visible signs of use Fit / Style: Oversize Material: 93% Cotton, 6% Polyamide, 1% Polyurethane C...
$320Sale Price|20% Off
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo striped colorblocked oxford button-up shirt FR36 S
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo pink yellow striped colorblocked oxford button-up shirt FR36 S Reference: TGAS/F00152 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Cotton Color: Pink, Yello...
Silk jacquard fushia shirt with "bags" pattern Céline Circa 1970's
By Celine
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silk jacquard fushia shirt with "bags" pattern. Gold metal button and buttonhole closure on the middle front and on the cuffs. Decorative pocket flap on the top front. size 40 (Fr) L
$847Sale Price|25% Off
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo 2015 Runway black grid harness gold button top FR38 M
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo 2015 Runway black grid harness gold button top FR38 M Reference: TGAS/D00363 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: Spring 2015 Look 17 - Runway Mat...
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo black cotton jacquard waterfall peplum top FR34 XS
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo black cotton jacquard waterfall peplum top FR34 XS Reference: MEKK/A00017 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Cotton, Blend Color: Black Pattern: A...
$157Sale Price|25% Off
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo orange black cream colorblocked tank top FR36 S
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo orange black cream colorblocked tank top FR36 S Reference: NKLL/A00279 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Feels like silk Color: Orange, Cream Pat...
Celine Vintage Mod Stripe Print Belted Tunic Vest
By Celine
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A signature equestrian motif gets the mod treatment in this amazing Céline vest. The horse bit, first designed by the French luxury brand in the early Seventies and still prominently used in its coveted accessories, is linked to form a chain, which appears within gorgeous vertical painterly stripes of yellow, orange, brown and tan. The stripes visually elongate the cotton tunic silhouette, which is smartly appointed with a notched collar, vertical front slit pockets, side slits and a fabric belt. Faux tortoise front buttons and a ring buckle bearing the brand name complete the chic piece. This vest can be mixed and matched with current cuts to easily update it or be paired with retro ones to channel a vintage vibe. Size estimate: XS/S Measurements Size: 36 Bust: 34 inches Waist: 24-27 inches Hips: Up to 37 inches Length: 30 inches This vintage Céline vest...
CELINE black cotton blend cream ribbed logo round neck bra top S Lisa Blackpink
By Celine, Hedi Slimane
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CELINE black cotton blend cream ribbed logo round neck bra top S Lisa Blackpink Reference: YIKK/A00287 Brand: Celine Designer: Hedi Slimane As seen on: Lisa Blackpink Material: Cotto...
1970s Celine Beige Jersey Shirt
By Celine
Located in Paris, FR
Celine Beige wool and cotton jersey shirt featuring classic pointed collar (1970s), long sleeves, buttoned cuffs a front pocket with logo carriage embroidered. Circa 1970s Estimated...
Celine Color Block Leather Top
By Celine
Located in Water Mill, NY
A super chic black and deep olive green leather top from Celine. It has a crew neckline, long raglan sleeves with elastic at the cuffs, and a blouson body with elastic at the hem. T...
CELINE BY HEDI SLIMANE 70's Inspired Monochrome Shirt
By Celine
Located in Berlin, BE
Celine by Heldi Slimane monochrome shirt. This 70s inspired shirt is made from a soft viscose and features a relaxed fit, black and white triangle pattern, a collared neckline, long cuffed sleeves and a front button closure. So typically Hedi Slimane in style - looks amazing styled under a clack suit or easily styled with black jeans and a leather jacket. Made in Italy Fabric: Viscose Size 38 Please refer to measurements below (measured flat and across) Shoulders 49.5cm Bust 57cm Waist 53cm This Celine monochrome...
$378Sale Price|30% Off
CELINE black cotton white big logo crop casual crew neck tshirt S
By Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CELINE black cotton white big logo crop casual crew neck tshirt S Reference: LNKO/A02542 Brand: Celine Designer: Hedi Slimane Material: Cotton Color: Black, White Pattern: Solid Clos...
Celine, Lizard printed shirt in black
By Celine
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Celine, Lizard printed shirt in black. The item is in very good condition.
Celine, Black silk polkadot shirt
By Celine
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Celine, Black silk polkadot shirt. The item is in very good condition.
Celine, polkadot shirt in black
By Celine
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Celine, polkadot shirt in black. The item has light stains under the armpit.
Céline Paris 80s timeless vintage striped silk printed signed gold coins blouse.
By Celine
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage 1980s classic timeless Céline Paris 100% silk blouse featuring a cream and soft grey striped print adorned with signed Céline Paris gold coin motifs. Measurements that are t...
CELINE black cotton blend cream ribbed logo round neck bra top Lisa Blackpink
By Celine, Hedi Slimane
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CELINE black cotton blend cream ribbed logo round neck bra top Lisa Blackpink Reference: YIKK/A00288 Brand: Celine Designer: Hedi Slimane As seen on: Lisa Blackpink Color: Black, Cr...
1970s Celine Purple Silk Blouse with Chainlink Pattern
By Celine
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Beautiful Celine silk blouse from the 1970s. The purple blouse features a unique chain print throughout in cream and magenta. Buttons up the front. In excellent condition, fits like ...
$384Sale Price|20% Off
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo genuine lambskin striped leather patch top FR38 M
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo genuine lambskin striped leather patch top FR38 M Reference: NKLL/A00272 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Leather Color: Black, White Pattern: S...
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo lavender purple tie sleeve cut out top FR38 M
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo lavender purple tie sleeve cut out top FR38 M Reference: MECG/A00084 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Viscose Color: Purple Pattern: Solid Closu...
Celine, Basic white shirt
By Celine
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Celine, Basic white shirt. The item is in very good condition.
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.
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, 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.
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 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 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 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.