Celine (formerly spelled Céline, stylized in all caps) is a French luxury fashion house founded in 1945 by fashion designer Céline Vipiana. The headquarters are located at 16 rue Vivienne in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris at the Hôtel Colbert de Torcy, which has French Historic Monument classification.[2]
Séverine Merle has been the chief executive officer since April 2017.[3] Michael Rider has been creative director of the brand since 2025 after the departure of Hedi Slimane in October 2024.[4][5]
History
Creation
In 1945, Céline Vipiana (1915–1997)[6] and her husband, Richard, created one of the first luxury brands in the industry, Céline, a made-to-measure children's shoe business,[7] and opened a first boutique at 52 rue Malte in Paris.[8] The brand was recognised by its logo, the red elephant created by Raymont Peynet.[9]
New positioning
In 1960, the brand altered its positioning by focusing its business on a ready-to-wear fashion brand for high society Parisian women.[10] Henceforth, the brand specialized in artisanal leather goods such as handbags, loafers, gloves, and garments.[11] Céline Vipiana remained the designer from 1945 until her retirement in 1988.[12] In 1964, the launch of the new fragrance "Vent fou"[13] and the new "American Sulky" collection of accessories gained success. The trench coat and Céline handbags became chief products of the house.[14] Throughout the 1960s, Céline became known for the quality of its leather, and opened a leather goods boutique in Florence.[15]
Acquisition by LVMH
In 1987, with the approval of the Vipiana family, Bernard Arnault purchased a portion of Céline's capital.[17] In 1996, the brand was integrated into the LVMH group for 2.7 billion French francs ($540 million).[18] LVMH propelled the house to international fame with the opening of a flagship boutique at 36 avenue Montaigne in Paris.[14]
Creative directors
Early years
- 1988–1997: Peggy Huynh Kinh[19]
- 1997–2003: Michael Kors[20]
- 2004–2005: Roberto Menichetti
- 2005–2008: Ivana Omazic[21]
Phoebe Philo, 2008–2018
On September 4, 2008, the fashion portal Women's Wear Daily announced that
CEOs
Other activities
In 2000, Celine entered into a worldwide licensing agreement with De Rigo for its collection of sunglasses and frames for corrective eyewear.[38] From 2011, the brand had a five-year licensing agreement with Safilo.[39] From 2000 to 2011, Interparfums held the worldwide license for the development, creation, and distribution of Celine fragrance lines.[40] The fragrance lines have since been managed in-house, beginning with Hedi Slimane's creative direction.[41]
Retail
Celine operates 178 boutiques worldwide[42] and is available through a selective network including the luxury department stores Bergdorf Goodman (New York), Harrods (London), and Galeries Lafayette (Paris).[43]
Marketing
For its advertising campaigns, Celine has worked with notable photographers including Patrick Demarchelier (1998–2001)[44][45] and Michael Thompson (2001).[46] Its brand ambassadors have included singer Lisa (2020–2024),[47] Park Bo-gum (since 2022; first actor global ambassador),[48] singer V (since 2023),[49] singer Danielle Marsh (since 2024),[50]
External links
- Label overview at New York magazine Fashion Shows
References
- Maison Celine.^
- Robert Murphy, The House That Céline Built March 25, 2015^
- Céline Finds Next CEO; Plots Online Sales^