1970s Celine, Paris burgundy alligator handbag
View Similar Items
1970s Celine, Paris burgundy alligator handbag
About the Item
Celine
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.
- Judith Leiber Crystal Encrusted Monogram evening clutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in West Palm Beach, FLJudith Leiber crystal encrusted monogram evening clutch or shoulder bag. This beautiful bag in monogrammed LMJ, in crystal rhinestones set against black rhinestones. The bag frame is...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Vintage Baccarat Eclipse pink metallic leather with crystal shoulder bag NIBBy BaccaratLocated in West Palm Beach, FLVintage Baccarat Eclipse pale pink metallic leather with crystal shoulder bag...New in the box...This bag can be worn as a shoulder bag or carried as a clutch...Multi strand metallic...Category
Late 20th Century French Shoulder Bags
- Vintage Gucci small leather and monogram vinyl cosmetic bagBy GucciLocated in West Palm Beach, FLVintage Gucci small leather and monogram vinyl cosmetic bag...Oval leather applique with metal intertwined G's at the front, the bag is pigskin leather at the sides, top and bottom.....Category
1980s Italian Wallets and Small Accessories
- Marguerite Fresse Paris jewel frame white beaded evening bagBy Marguerite FresseLocated in West Palm Beach, FLMarguerite Fresse Paris jewel frame white beaded evening bag...Classic 1950s evening bag, the frame is silver metal with a clasp that features...Category
20th Century French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Lana of London white envelope lizard clutch gold hardwareBy Lana Marks, LANA of LondonLocated in West Palm Beach, FLLana of London white envelope style lizard clutch with gold hardware. Beautiful bag in textured lizard, matte gold hardware, lined in white leather with...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Clutches
- Hermes Mustard yellow pebbled leather clutchBy HermèsLocated in West Palm Beach, FLHermes Mustard yellow pebbled leather clutch with silver hardware. Fold over clutch with shaped front, closes with a silver metal disk featuring...Category
20th Century French Clutches
- 1930's Hand Woven Fish Basket Purse Bucket BagLocated in New York, NY1930's hand woven circular fish basket purse with double drop handles to carry in hand or under arm. The bag can also be used to enhance home decor and as a catch all. Beautiful piece.Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Shoulder Bags
- Kathrine Baumann Beverly Hills Snow White's Red Apple Minaudiere Evening BagBy Kathrine Baumann Beverly Hills, Katherine BaumannLocated in Tustin, CAA limited-edition, signed and numbered, Swarovski crystal encrusted, gold-plated metal Snow White's red apple shaped minaudière evening bag purse by Kathrine Baumann, who is the cele...Category
1990s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Very Large 1980s FENDI S.A.S. Diamond Embossed Burgundy Leather PurseBy FendiLocated in Tustin, CAVery Large 1980s FENDI S.A.S. Diamond Embossed burgundy russet tone Leather Purse Smartly stylish, extremely roomy estate Fendi purse is large enough to carry ...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
$960 Sale Price20% Off - Kathrine Baumann Leopard Design Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening BagBy Kathrine Baumann Beverly HillsLocated in Tustin, CAExquisite handmade designer, Kathrine Baumann, who is the celebrated handbag maker to the stars, leopard pattern pillow shaped minaudière, evening bag...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Classic Louis Vuitton Iconic Monogram Cell Phone Case or HolderBy Louis VuittonLocated in Tustin, CAIconic and stylish Louis Vuitton monogram coated canvas cell phone case or holder in classic brown will cover and protect your phone in style. Include...Category
2010s French Tech Accessories and Cases
- Judith Leiber Jeweled Clutch, Black And Clear Crrystals With Silver Strap.By Judith LeiberLocated in Buchanan, MIJudith Leiber Jeweled Clutch, Black And Clear Crrystals With Silver Strap.Category
20th Century Clutches