Celine has long been a beacon of refined elegance and modern minimalism in the fashion world. From Phoebe Philo’s transformative decade at the helm to Hedi Slimane’s bold reinvention, the brand’s iconic pieces tell a story of timeless sophistication and innovative design. Here, we explore ten of the most defining Celine creations, each a symbol of the house’s unique aesthetic and cultural impact.
1. The Glove Shoe
Emerging from Celine’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection, the Glove Shoe became an instant sensation. Its sleek, form-fitting design captured the attention of fashion insiders and quickly spread to front rows and high streets alike. This shoe remains one of the label’s most recognizable accessories, embodying Philo’s knack for marrying comfort with striking style.
2. The Slip Dress
Celine played a pivotal role in reviving the silky Slip Dress in its Autumn/Winter 2015 and Spring/Summer 2016 collections. The understated yet sensual frock quickly became a wardrobe essential, signaling a shift towards effortless, refined femininity that few saw coming.
3. The Pyjama Shirt
Celine’s silky, printed Pyjama Shirt from Spring/Summer 2011 was an instant hit on the runway and beyond. The piece gained iconic status when Kanye West wore one on stage at Coachella, cementing its place in fashion history as a symbol of relaxed yet polished style.
4. Geometric Jewellery
Some of Celine’s most coveted pieces under Philo were not garments but her sculptural Geometric Jewellery. From circular hair clips to statement rings and belts, these accessories became synonymous with the brand’s aesthetic, adding a modern architectural edge to its collections.
5. The Furry Slide
In 2014, Celine introduced the Furry Slide, also known as ‘furkenstocks,’ which sparked debate but ultimately became a cult favorite. These fur-lined pool sliders influenced a wave of similar styles, including Fenty’s faux-fur sliders, proving Philo’s ability to redefine luxury comfort.
6. Dressy Knitwear
Philo’s take on the Jumper Dress elevated knitwear from casual to glamorous. Whether striped or slinky with exaggerated hems, these dresses became a signature look, worn by style icons like Sienna Miller and embodying Celine’s blend of femininity and ease1.
7. The It-Bags
Phoebe Philo’s tenure at Celine saw the elevation of several totes into coveted It-Bags. Models like the Trapeze, Trio, and Luggage bags positioned Celine alongside luxury giants such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci, turning these designs into timeless symbols of understated sophistication.
8. The Wooden Wedge
Almost every season, Philo introduced a shoe that sparked trends, beginning with the Wooden Wedge in her Spring/Summer 2010 collection. Praised by fashion editors and widely replicated, this shoe exemplified Celine’s ability to marry innovation with wearability.
9. The Triomphe Logo
Though introduced before Philo’s era, the Triomphe Logo has become a defining emblem of Celine’s identity, especially after Hedi Slimane revived it in 2019. Inspired by the chain around the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, this symbol represents the brand’s Parisian heritage and spirit of resilience. Slimane’s reintroduction of the logo as a gold clasp on handbags marked a pivotal moment, blending history with contemporary luxury and spawning a new generation of coveted ‘It’ bags.
10. Stan Smith Sneakers
Phoebe Philo’s personal style famously included Adidas Stan Smiths, which she wore with her signature polo necks and chinos. This simple choice had a profound influence, making high-fashion sneakers a staple for professional women worldwide. Her embrace of these trainers blurred the lines between luxury and everyday wear, a trend still resonant today.
Celine’s iconic pieces reflect a brand that balances heritage with modernity, minimalism with boldness, and timeless elegance with cultural relevance. Whether through Phoebe Philo’s visionary designs or Hedi Slimane’s strategic revival of classic motifs, these creations continue to inspire and define what it means to live life the Celine way.
