Céline is a French luxury house founded in 1945 by Céline Vipiana. Today, it is an international luxury goods brand owned by LVMH. Céline was originally created as a made-to-measure children’s shoe business that eventually grew into women’s shoes and accessories. The ready-to-wear line debuted in the 1960s. Céline Vipiana was the designer from 1945-1997.
American fashion designer Michael Kors was named the first ever women’s ready-to-wear designer and creative director for Céline in 1997.[3] During his tenure at Céline, Kors turned the fashion house around with blockbuster accessories and a critically acclaimed ready-to-wear line. Kors designed for the label until 2004. Italian designer Roberto Menichetti was named creative director. After a disappointing year, Menichetti was replaced by Croatian designer Ivana Omazic. Omazic was a former consultant for the brand and previously worked with Romeo Gigli, Prada, Jil Sander, and Miu Miu.
On September 4, 2008, the influential fashion portal WWDFashion announced that Bernard Arnault, president of LVMH, appointed Phoebe Philo as the new creative director of Céline. Philo started at Céline in October 2008 and presented her first Celine ready-to-wear collection for Spring/Summer 2010 at Paris Fashion Week to rave reviews. Philo replaces Ivana Omazić, who, according to LVMH, failed to transform this second league brand into an essential flagship of worldwide prêt-à-porter. “By giving Philo Céline, we’re giving her a platform to express her vision,” said Pierre-Yves Roussel, chief executive officer of LVMH’s fashion division which owns Céline.
