Infashuated : Daily Online Fashion & Design

As a graduate from the world renowned Central Saint Martins in London, Phoebe Philo is gaining much attention. After working as assistant designer to the prêt-à-porter collection from Chloé, Phoebe was promoted to Creative Director in 2001. From there she launched Chloé’s first and most influential accessories line. She also showed the first Chloé ready-to-wear collection in Paris. In 2005, Phoebe received the ‘London Designer of the Year’ award. After growing the Chloé business globally, Phoebe resigned. After this venture she was appointed Creative Director and board member of Céline. Céline is another ready-to-wear business that focuses on much of the same products as Chloé. To accomplish so much at a young age is not only inspiring but a testament to creative artistry.

Phoebe is now focusing on growing Céline into an equally, if not more, successful business than Chloé. Phoebe’s first Céline SS10 collection provides women with the true simplicity needed in an everyday wardrobe. The Spring color palette is far from a kaleidoscope of colors, but surely brings the word ‘Spring’ to mind. While staying true to women’s work wear, Céline also allows for some updated color options and provides a plethora of Spring specific pieces, like a fitted women’s cigarette pant, or a bright brick red trench coat. The simplicity of Céline SS10 collection is essential in it’s strategic use of color. Too much color or lack there of is the fine line that Phoebe walks so nimbly.

Céline’s Spring & Summer collections are filled with darks and light sandy neutrals. The line is comprised of small hints of phthalo and olive greens. The strong, shiny black dresses and skirts help to ground the collection. The collection is also a perfect blend of couture finishes with ready-to-wear silhouettes. Céline’s clear sleek runway of comfortable loose fitting pants and tightly fitted tops create the perfect landscape for the modern-day women. The models possess a look of conviction when skepticism from onlookers is ubiquitous. Céline’s color palette is safe and classy, but has a bit of “newness” in it’s Spring/Summer mix. Moreover, the collections embody a couturier’s refinement. A female designer’s ability to blend sharp men’s tailoring with a feminine touch is something that has been dormant in the industry for some time. (Céline is sold exclusively in 24 boutiques globally)