PHOEBE PHILO TO LEAVE CELINE

After a blockbuster decade at the helm of Céline, artistic director Phoebe Philo announced that she will exit the storied French fashion house, founded by Céline Vipiana in 1945. During her 10-year tenure, Philo revitalized and transformed the brand into a buzzy luxurious label for self-confident power women, contributing to its great momentum and cementing its status as one of the hottest brands around. Her last collection for the house with be presented next March for Fall 2018. According to a source in WWD, “Philo will not work for another label in the near future and her successor to the LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton-owned house will be named in the coming months.” Philo joined Céline in 2008, after taking a three-year hiatus, following a successful stint at Chloé. Reclusive and press shy, Philo's refined and discreet hand at Céline was evident throughout, from her sleek and contemporary silhouettes and rigorous tailoring to her hot trenches and the flurry of IT bags she churned out effortlessly. For Spring 2018, Philo was in a joyful and playful mood, inspired by nature with a collection that included plenty of outerwear/outdoor such as leather ponchos and trenches with ultra- long hems. The designer also revisited men's tailoring with oversized jackets, boxy shapes with dangling strips and a handsome navy trench dress.