Farewell to Phoebe Philo’s Céline: Her 5 Most Iconic Designs

Phoebe Philo

Select fall merchandise is beginning to ship to the boutiques and it reminded us that Phoebe Philo’s final collection for Céline is Fall ’18. This upcoming season may be our last chance to shop Philo’s ground breaking designs, and it would be an understatement to say the VT team is disappointed about her departure. However, after her incredibly successful 10 year stint at the fashion house, we can all agree that her break from the fashion design world is well deserved.

To celebrate Philo’s tenure at Céline and honor the transformational work she did for the brand during her time there, we wanted to dedicate a post to 5 of her most iconic designs. Phoebe’s sophisticated and effortless styles will be missed, but we’re excited to see what Céline’s new creative director Hedi Slimane will turn out in the coming seasons.

 

1. The Boxy Twist Sandal

Philo’s designs were always the perfect mix of comfort and sophistication, and her beloved twist slide was no exception. This silhouette was introduced early on in Philo’s career at Céline but she frequently designed new variations on this classic style each season.

Celine boxy twist sandal

Celine boxy twist sandals

2. The Oversized Sweater

It’s usually a chunky turtleneck that falls at the lower waist just so, made from the softest cashmere, and available in the richest, most flattering colorways. Philo’s knits were always divine and we looked forward to seeing the different iterations season after season.

Phoebe Philo's most iconic designs

Phoebe Philo's most iconic designs

Phoebe Philo's most iconic designs

3. The Trio

The epitome of luxury and practicality, the trio was one of quite a few Céline bags (the Luggage Tote, the Frame bag, and the Box bag) that reached cult status during Philo’s tenure. With three spacious (and removable!) compartments and a rainbow of colorways and prints to choose from, the Trio is a truly iconic wardrobe must-have.

Celine trio bag

Celine trio bagCeline trio bag

4. Ultra Wide Leg Pants

Philo’s specific brand of effortless chic can be boiled down to a single outfit anchor—the exaggerated wide leg pant. Each and every season showed a variety of wide leg styles, mainly styled with sensible heels or flats and equally oversized tops and jackets, or sometimes with a clingy rib knit sweater. Philo herself even favored the look and the minimalist outfits she chose to wear at Céline’s runway shows became an inspiration to fashionable women all over the world.

Celine Resort 2016 Celine wide leg pants Celine Resort 2016

5. Oversized Aviator Sunglasses

Aviator sunglasses will always be a classic style but Philo’s particular design in glossy black and ombre acetate exemplified Céline’s cool girl persona. Street style regulars Christine Centenera, Gilda Ambrosio, and Giorgia Tordini are big fans of the style, and even with the onset of the tiny sunglasses trend, these square top sunnies are still highly coveted by the style conscious.

Celine aviator sunglasses

Celine aviator sunglassesCeline aviator sunglasses