Celine Black Shoulder Clutch Golden Square Bag Vintage 1970s
View Similar Items
Celine Black Shoulder Clutch Golden Square Bag Vintage 1970s
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.
- Chanel large CC coated canvas beach toteBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLNever worn As seen on Sex and the City the movie Has a large detachable interior pouch insert XL shopping tote with rope detail perfect for travel or vacation Very spacious tote th...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
- Fendi Mini Black HandbagLocated in New York, NYLength: 6.75” inches Height: 5.75” inches Material: neoprene Condition: goodCategory
1990s Shoulder Bags
- GUCCI Black GG Guccissima Studded Pelham BagBy GucciLocated in Genève, CHGucci Studded Pelham Black Tote features a chic design with gorgeous pleated and studded details on gorgeous and supple Gucci monogram embossed leather. The bag features studs on th...Category
2010s Italian Hobo Bags
- CHANEL quilted lambskin Large hidden chain bagLocated in Genève, CHThis fantastic Chanel bowler bag is crafted from black quilted lambskin leather, featuring dual-hidden chain leather handles, CC charm zipper pull, a...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Hobo Bags
- Hermès Limited Edition Constance 18 Studio Disco PHW 2021 Brand NewBy HermèsLocated in Hong Kong, HKStamp Z Brand New Full Set. This item is final sale and not eligible for return.Category
2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Hermès Constance 18 Varanus Salvator Lizard Ombre GHW in Excellent ConditionBy HermèsLocated in Hong Kong, HKStamp Y Excellent Condition accompanied by: Hermès box, dustbag, felt and leather care booklet. This item is final sale and not eligible for return.Category
2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags