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.
$572Sale Price|44% Off
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo white beaded tassel drop earrings Pair
By Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo white beaded tassel drop earrings Pair Reference: BSHW/A00118 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: Runway Material: Plastic Color: White, Gold Pat...
Celine 1989 Vintage Crystal Emerald Ruby Globe Celestial Stars Drop Earrings
By Celine
Located in Wokingham, England
Celine 1989 Vintage Unisex Textured Relief Crystal Emerald Ruby Globe Celestial Stars Circle Double Ball Round Dangle Drop Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. 100% Genui...
Gold Plate
Celine Paris 1980s Vintage Gold Iconic Massive Logo Circle Hoop Drop Earrings
By Celine
Located in Wokingham, England
Celine Paris 1980s Vintage Unisex Massive Iconic Logo Monogram Circle Round Hoop Large Chunky Modernist Drop Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Versatile earrings. Can be worn in different ...
Gold-filled
Celine Gold Chain Door Knocker Earrings
By Celine
Located in New York, NY
Cool (and large) Celine Gold Chain Door Knocker Earrings from the late 1980's with curb chain fringe. Imposing scale and beautifully crafted for Celine in Italy. 1989 France. 3" x 1...
Gilt Metal
Celine Pave Silver Chain Earrings
By Celine
Located in New York, NY
Cool (and large) Celine Silver Chain Door Knocker Earrings with pave rhinestones from the late 1980's with curb chain fringe. Imposing scale and beautifully crafted for Celine in Ita...
Gilt Metal
Guy Laroche Aquamarine Designer 18 Karat Huggie Earrings
By Guy Laroche
Located in Honolulu, HI
French Designer Guy Laroche Aquamarine huggie earrings in 18k white gold. These earrings have a unique pass through design. The beautifully designed earrings features four (4) rectangular cut blue Aquamarine gemstones set in a channel that passes through a rectangle openning. A total of eight (8) Aquamarine gems are set on these earrings, totaling approximately 1.60 carats. The Aquamarines have a Beautiful aqua blue color. The earrings are masterfully crafted in 18k white gold and has a high polished finish. These earrings have post backs for pierced ears and friction push back backing. The earrings measure approximately 14.80 mm high x 5.75 mm wide. Hallmarked "Guy Laroche" and stamped "18k". Total weight 5.00 grams. These are new old stock earrings...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold
Deco Pear shaped emeralds and mixed shape diamond earrings in white gold
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
Clean lines and modern elegance with heirloom quality! True to Rinoor's promise of sourcing the finest gemstones and blending them with exceptional craftsmanship, these earrings are ...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
22 Karat Gold Hoops with 4.35 Carat Diamond Briolette Pair
By Jay Rawat
Located in Jaipur, IN
A pait of simple and elegant hoops hancrafted in 22K Gold with a pair of diamond briolettes hanging from each of them. The diamonds are 4.35 carats altogether and add just that touch...
Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold
14 Karat White Gold Latch Back Earrings with .50 Total Diamond Weight
Located in Manhasset, NY
14Kt White Gold Latch Back Earrings with .50 Total Diamond Weight. Total Gold Weight 5.6 Grams.
Diamond, 14k Gold
$7,300 / item
Aquamarine Drop Earrings 18k White Gold
By Karma El Khalil
Located in New York, NY
Aquamarine Drop Earrings in 18K White Gold featuring Custom-Cut Pear Drops of Shimmering Aquamarine Aquamarine: 13.11cts 18k White Gold: 5.78g From Karma El Khalil's Conversations With The Moon Collection...
Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$7,500 / item
Lavender Quartz Waterfall Earrings in 18k White Gold
By Karma El Khalil
Located in New York, NY
Ethereal Ombre Lavender Waterfall Earrings in 18k white gold, featuring ten graduating custom-cut cabochons of Lavender Quartz. Each earring displays five cabochons of lavender quartz gracefully decending in to a single trillion-cut blue-violet Iolite point. 18k White Gold Lavender Quartz : 36.65cts Iolite : 0.19cts From Karma El Khalil's Conversations With The Moon Collection
Iolite, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Wave ear climbers with pear shaped emeralds and brilliant cut diamonds
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
Clean lines and modern elegance with heirloom quality! True to Rinoor's promise of sourcing the finest gemstones and blending them with exceptional craftsmanship, these earrings are ...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$675 / set
W 0.12 in L 0.6 in
Beaded Oval Huggie Hoop Earrings, 14K Yellow Gold, Gabriel & Co. EG13988
By Gabriel & Co.
Located in Austin, TX
These fabulous Gabriel & Co. beaded huggie hoops provide a look that is both trendy and classic. The details for these beautiful earrings are listed below: Earrings: 1 Set Metal Qual...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ammanii Vermeil Gold Drop Earrings with Freshwater Pearls and Tassels
By Ammanii
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Part of our new collection Malikat = Queens. Inspired by the ruling females of ancient Egypt. Queen Nefertari means "Beautiful Companion"- These stunning statement earrings are an ode to her reign and the legacy to dare to set out of the box. Hand crafted vermeil gold with hand set clear zircon...
Zircon, Freshwater Pearl, Vermeil
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
Emerald and Black Opal Drop Earring 18 Karat Gold
By Tinguely Bijoux
Located in Boston, MA
The bright Lightning Ridge crystal black opal has a clear, wide light spectrum that complements the kelly green of the rose-faceted emerald. Set in an 18 karat yellow gold. Model wea...
Emerald, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
Ammanii Key Earrings with Ankh Amulet in Vermeil Gold
By Ammanii
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These Key earrings are masterfully handcrafted from sterling silver base with 18k yellow gold plating, in a satin finish with high grade hand set Cubic Zi...
Zircon, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Rubellite and 22 Karat Gold Drop Earrings
By Pamela Farland
Located in New York, NY
Stunning faceted rubellite stones totaling 3.86 carats are set in 22 karat gold round wires, inspired by ancient Roman jewelry design. hang on a 22 Kar...
Rubelite, 22k Gold, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 1.66 in L 1.66 in
Celine 1989 Vintage Extra Large Iconic Logo Globe Celestial Stars Clip Earrings
By Celine
Located in Wokingham, England
Celine Paris 1989 Vintage Extra Large Iconic Logo Globe Celestial Stars Round Circle Dome Clip Chunky Modernist Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. 100% Genuine. Maybe light...
Gold-filled
Sold
W 1.23 in L 1.23 in
Celine 1992 Vintage Iconic Logo Medallion Circle Earth Globe Gold Clip Earrings
By Celine
Located in Wokingham, England
Celine 1992 Vintage Iconic Logo Medallion Circle Earth Globe Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. 100% Genuine. One back of earring is colour loss, others are e...
Gold Plate
Sold
W 1.58 in L 2.17 in
Celine Paris 1980s Vintage Massive Iconic Logo Circle Hoop Drop Clip Earrings
By Celine
Located in Wokingham, England
Celine Paris 1980s Vintage Unisex Massive Iconic Logo Monogram Circle Round Hoop Large Chunky Modernist Drop Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Versatile earrings. Can be worn in different ...
Gold-filled
Sold
W 1.58 in L 2.17 in
Celine Paris 1980s Vintage Massive Iconic Logo Circle Hoop Drop Clip Earrings
By Celine
Located in Wokingham, England
Celine Paris 1980s Vintage Unisex Massive Iconic Logo Monogram Circle Round Hoop Large Chunky Modernist Drop Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Versatile earrings. Can be worn in different ...
Gold-filled
Sold
W 1.19 in L 1.19 in
Celine 1989 Vintage Large Iconic Logo Globe Celestial Stars Gold Clip Earrings
By Celine
Located in Wokingham, England
Celine 1989 Vintage Large Iconic Logo Globe Celestial Stars Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. 100% Genuine. Light scratches or colour loss, barely noticeable. A very ...
Gold-filled
Sold
W 1.66 in L 1.66 in
Celine 1989 Vintage Extra Large Iconic Logo Globe Celestial Stars Clip Earrings
By Celine
Located in Wokingham, England
Celine Paris 1989 Vintage Extra Large Iconic Logo Globe Celestial Stars Round Circle Dome Clip Chunky Modernist Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. 100% Genuine. Maybe light...
Gold-filled
Sold
W 1.23 in L 1.23 in
Celine 1992 Vintage Iconic Logo Medallion Circle Earth Globe Gold Clip Earrings
By Celine
Located in Wokingham, England
Celine 1992 Vintage Iconic Logo Medallion Circle Earth Globe Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. 100% Genuine. One back of earring is colour loss, others are e...
Gold Plate
Sold
W 1.58 in L 2.17 in
Celine Paris 1980s Vintage Massive Iconic Logo Circle Hoop Drop Clip Earrings
By Celine
Located in Wokingham, England
Celine Paris 1980s Vintage Massive Iconic Logo Circle Hoop Large Chunky Drop Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Versatile earrings. Can be worn in different style. Very good condition. 100...
Gold-filled
Sold
W 1.66 in L 1.66 in
Celine 1989 Vintage Extra Large Iconic Logo Globe Celestial Stars Clip Earrings
By Celine
Located in Wokingham, England
Celine Paris 1989 Vintage Extra Large Iconic Logo Globe Celestial Stars Round Clip Chunky Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. 100% Genuine. Maybe light scratches or colour l...
Gold-filled
Sold
W 1.23 in L 1.23 in
Celine 1992 Vintage Iconic Logo Medallion Circle Earth Globe Gold Clip Earrings
By Celine
Located in Wokingham, England
Celine 1992 Vintage Iconic Logo Medallion Circle Earth Globe Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. 100% Genuine. One back of earring is colour l...
Gold Plate
Sold
W 1.19 in L 1.19 in
Celine 1989 Vintage Large Iconic Logo Globe Celestial Stars Gold Clip Earrings
By Celine
Located in Wokingham, England
Celine 1989 Vintage Large Iconic Logo Globe Celestial Stars Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. 100% Genuine. Light scratches or colour loss, ...
Gold-filled
Sold
W 1.58 in L 2.17 in
Celine Paris 1980s Vintage Massive Iconic Logo Circle Hoop Drop Clip Earrings
By Celine
Located in Wokingham, England
Celine Paris 1980s Vintage Massive Iconic Logo Circle Hoop Large Chunky Drop Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Versatile earrings. Can be worn in different style. Very good condition. 100...
Gold-filled