Now renowned for chic womenswear as well as luxury leather handbags that are often recognized for their iconic gold-tone fastening and hardware, French fashion house Celine got its start in children’s shoes.
In 1945, Céline Vipiana and her husband, Richard, opened a made-to-measure shoe shop for children at 52 rue de Malte in Paris. Designer Céline’s name graced the business, alongside a red elephant designed by French cartoonist Raymond Peynet that served as the company’s first logo.
In 1967, following an expansion into women’s shoes and leather accessories, the Vipianas decided to expand their company’s reach into women’s ready-to-wear, focusing on high-end sportswear. Céline Vipiana, who remained chief designer until her death in 1997, would oversee a range of fashion that would reach an international audience with a pared-down elegance and timeless style.
The company quickly achieved widespread success with its new offerings, most notably its trench coat, which became a staple for the brand. In the 1970s, they expanded outside Paris with boutiques in Monte Carlo, Beverly Hills and Hong Kong. In 1973, Céline Vipiana, inspired by chain links around the Arc de Triomphe, debuted the Blazon Chaîne motif of interlocking C’s. She began using it on a printed canvas and branding as well as accents on accessories, such as the Triomphe bag.
Vipiana’s designs were created to appeal as everyday fashion: Celine skirts, suits, fitted shirts, vests and coats were stylish but rooted in practicality. Quality, too, was paramount; Vipiana’s determination to deliver the best possible leather led to the opening of a studio in Florence, where the brand created its leather goods.
Vipiana died a year after her brand was acquired by Bernard Arnault’s luxury conglomerate LVMH for about $540 million. American designer Michael Kors then took the helm as creative director. Kors, too, was known for practical but chic ready-to-wear. He introduced such luxury staples as cashmere sets, smartly tailored pants and simple slip dresses, plus themed collections around jet-setter locales like Monte Carlo and Tahiti. Following Kors’s departure in 2004, onetime Burberry designer Roberto Menichetti took the job for just a year. He was followed by designer Phoebe Philo, the young British designer who is now credited with establishing Celine’s 21st-century style.
Philo created a distinct, minimal style that channeled the brand’s roots of practical simplicity with luxury materials. (“I just thought I’d clean it up,” she quipped of her debut collection in 2010.) Over the course of ten years, Philo turned the company into a beloved fixture of the fashion industry. In 2018, after Philo’s departure, the house tapped Hedi Slimane, former creative director of Yves Saint Laurent, as its new leader; he caused a stir when he famously removed the accent from the brand name. Controversial though it was, Slimane maintained it was a return to the label’s roots: an exercise in strong simplicity.
Find vintage Celine day dresses, handbags and other items on 1stDibs.
Celine Brown Cut out Back Dress with Bead Trim S/S 2003
By Celine, Michael Kors
Located in Water Mill, NY
A very chic brown jersey dress by Michael Kors for Celine. It has rows of brown wooden bead adorned fine straps emanating from the front neckli...
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo 2016 viscose open back tie pleated midi dress FR34 XS
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo 2016 nude viscose open back tie pleated midi dress FR34 XS Reference: TGAS/F01026 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Viscose Color: Nude Pattern: ...
Celine Wrap Bodycon Dress
By Celine
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous red jersey dress from Celine. It has a wide V neckline, 3/4 length sleeves and a wrapped ruched bodice. The dress is semi fitted through ...
CELINE 2014 Phoebe Philo black lambskin leather crew tiered mini dress FR38 M
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CELINE 2014 Phoebe Philo black lambskin leather crew neck tiered mini dress FR38 M Reference: NILI/A00118 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: ...
Black & White Celine Polka Dot Dress Size FR 40
By Celine
Located in New York, NY
Black and white polka dot dress by Celine. Crew neck. Three-quarter sleeves. Button closures at front. 29" bust, 30" waist, 44.5" length, 15.5" shoulder width.
$684Sale Price|40% Off
CELINE Hedi Slimane Triomphe chain wool frill collar pleated dress FR38 S
By Celine, Hedi Slimane
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CELINE Hedi Slimane Triomphe chain wool frill collar pleated dress FR38 S Reference: MELK/A00109 Brand: Celine Designer: Hedi Slimane Model: Triomphe dress Material: Wool Color: Yell...
2015 Celine By Phoebe Philo cinnamon and black knit dress with flounced hemline
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Celine by Phoebe Philo, Pre-Fall 2015 Very rare knit dress in marled cinnamon and black designed by Phoebe Philo. The textile is a lightweight fine-gauge knit with a soft, fluid fee...
Celine Paris by Celine Vipiana Circa 1973 Bleu Cotton Red/White Logo Long Dress
By Celine
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Enjoy this item as part of our Holiday Sale, for one week! Real Old Celine Paris by Celine Vipiana Circa 1973 Vintage A-Line Maxi Dress, trimmed Red & White Logo, Bleu Cotton, Rare ...
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo khaki leather black panel gold belt dress FR36 S
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo khaki leather black panel gold belt dress FR36 S Reference: NKLL/A00030 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Leather, Fabric Color: Khaki, Black Pat...
OLD CELINE 2016 Runway yellow black floral high neck midi dress FR36 S
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo 2016 Runway yellow black floral high neck midi dress FR36 S Reference: NKLL/A00561 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: 2016 Pre Fall Look 13 - Ru...
1990s Celine Sexy Off Shoulder Semi Sheer Asymmetrical Bodycon Black Dress
By Celine
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy CELINE 90s black vintage bodcon dress! This is the perfect little black dress! Features flattering ruching detail thorughout. Semi sheer in all the rig...
Celine by Michael Kors S/S 2004 Runway Embellished Cutout Halter Dress
By Celine
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Celine by Michael Kors S/S 2004 Runway Embellished Cutout Halter Dress FR 38 Look 43 from the Celine Spring 2004 Collection. Condition: Good Vintage Condition. Some loose and broke...
1980s Celine Camel Cotton Safari Dress
By Celine
Located in Paris, FR
Celine camel safari cotton dress featuring classic collar front logo button fastening, short sleeves, two chest flap pockets, side seams pockets, straight hem. Composition: 100% Cott...
Y2K Celine Black LBD with Beaded Bow
By Celine
Located in Miami, FL
Celine size 38 from the Philo era black mini dress, wrap style with a sequin detail bow at the front. It criss crosses at the back and forms a deep V down the front. Internal strin...
$360Sale Price|20% Off
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo cream taupe silk wool felt drop waist shirt dress FR38 M
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo cream taupe silk wool felt drop waist shirt dress FR38 M Reference: CC/A00471 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Silk, Wool, Blend Color: Cream, T...
Celine Ice Blue Silk V Neck Suplice Bodice Cocktail Dress with Rose Applique 42
By Celine
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Celine ice blue silk cocktail dress marked size 42, V-neck suplice bodice dress with a srmed waist, the skirt has a 14 inch side front hem vent. The bodice and the skirt have detaile...
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo khaki black leather silk stripe dress FR36 S
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo khaki black leather silk stripe dress FR36 S Reference: MECG/A00029 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Leather, Silk Color: Black, Khaki Pattern: ...
$672Sale Price|20% Off
OLD CELINE 2017 Phoebe Philo dark grey wool blend hi low hem dress FR36 S
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE 2017 Phoebe Philo dark grey wool blend hi low hem dress FR36 S Reference: TGAS/F00067 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: 2017 Mate...
NWT F/W 2004 Celine by Michael Kors Runway Strapless Leopard Print Silk Gown
By Celine, Michael Kors
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful leopard print Celine gown, designed by Michael Kors. From the Fall/Winter 2004 collection, this strapless dress debuted on the season's runway and features a r...
Céline Phoebe Philo Crêpe Zip Shift Dress- '10s
By Celine
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Crêpe zip shift dress by Phoebe Philo for Céline, an expression of early 2010s refined minimalism. Crafted from fluid crêpe fabric, it features a clean, straight silhouette that flat...
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo khaki leather black panel gold belt dress FR36 S
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo khaki leather black panel gold belt dress FR36 S Reference: NKLL/A00030 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Leather, Fabric Color: Khaki, Black Pat...
Celine by Michael Kors S/S 2004 Gold Chain Logo Print Halter Dress
By Celine
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Celine by Michael Kors S/S 2004 Gold Chain Logo Print Halter Dress FR 36
CELINE Size 2 Black Lambskin Leather Long Sleeve Back Zipper Dress Top
By Celine
Located in San Francisco, CA
CELINE dress top in a black lambskin leather featuring a form fitting design, long sleeves, and back zipper closure.Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: FR 34 Measurements: ...
CELINE Size XS Cream Silver Jacquard Paisley Straight Dress Pants
By Celine
Located in San Francisco, CA
CELINE dress pants in a cream and metallic silver tone polyester blend featuring a paisley jacquard pattern, straight leg, and zip fly closure. Note: this garment has been profession...
Celine black viscose a-line dress with metal halter-neck, ss 2008
By Celine
Located in London, GB
▪ Celine black a-line dress ▪ 100% Viscose ▪ Silver metal halter-neck ▪ Pleated bust ▪ Built-in corset ▪ FR 38 - UK 10 - US 6 ▪ Spring-Summer 2008
1980s Celine Polka-Dot Dress
By Celine
Located in Paris, FR
Celine 1980s polka-dot dress featuring classic collar front logo button fastening, short sleeves, two chest flap pockets, side seams pockets, straight hem...
Celine by Phoebe Philo Structured Ivory Dress with Overskirt Pockets
By Celine
Located in Kingston, NY
A beautifully tailored ivory dress by Céline, likely from the celebrated Phoebe Philo era, showcasing the house’s signature minimalist sophistication and architectural construction. ...
Celine Vintage Black Pleated Dress - FR42/XL
By Celine
Located in Krakow, PL
Celine Vintage Pleated Dress Size: FR42 XL Condition: Very Good Condition details: Minimal signs of use; minor pulls in the fabric and stains on the lining. Details: Fits true to ...
Dolce & Gabbana Lace up Silk Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful stretch silk leopard print dress from Dolce & Gabbana. The bodice has adjustable straps, functional and adjustable side lacing through to the hips plus rows of top st...
Amazing 1980s Vintage Lillie Rubin Black Sequin Ostrich Feather Strapless Dress
By Lillie Rubin
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing showstopping vintage 80s LILLIE RUBIN black sequin and ostrich feather strapless cocktail dress! Features thousands of hand-sewn sequins surrounding the front and back bodice...
La Perla S/S 2002 beige nude sheer embellished backless wedding slip dress gown
By La Perla
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE La Perla S/S 2002 Composed of two layers of beige stretch sheer silk chiffon, embellished with circular motifs in varying sizes, formed from a combination of silve...
$931
Size: FR 2 (Vintage)
A/W 1973 LEONARD Fashion Paris 'Gringo' Signature Print Pink Brown Jersey Dress
By Leonard Fashion, Daniel Tribouillard
Located in Munich, DE
This is a stunning documented Leonard Fashion Paris jersey dress from the house’s Autumn/Winter 1973 'VIZIR' collection. The print is titled 'Gri...
$600
Size: none; comparable to size small
White and Pink Embroidered Bubble Hem Party Dress w Petal Bust – S, 1950s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Reminiscent of the architectural designs popularized by Balenciaga, this unique party dress features a stand-away silhouette that appears to float independently from the body that we...
2000s Anthony Vaccarello for Versus Versace Strapless Dress
By Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Sexiest Cocktail Dress Is Here! Circa late 2000s, this dress is designed by Anthony Vaccarello who created a capsule collection for Versus Versace from 2014-2016. This mini strap...
PAMELA DENNIS COUTURE 1998 Vintage Silk Gold Evening Gown Maxi Dress w. Train
By PAMELA DENNIS COUTURE
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Pamela Dennis Couture 1998 Vintage As seen in American Vogue Yellow Gold tapestry print 100% thick silk Removable long oversized dramatic train Back zip Size USA 6 Excellent Conditio...
$890
Size: please refer to measurements
VERA WANG 90's/00 Tan Evening Gown w. Bustle Maxi Dress Bridal Wedding
By Vera Wang
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Vera Wang 1990's-2000's Vintage Tan / Beige color, neutral tone Train that bustles at the back Size tag missing will measure later, appears to be a 2/4 Great vintage condition, no ri...
Christian Dior by John Galliano Strapless Old Hollywood Style Bow Dress Gown
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Circa early 2000 John Galliano for the House of Dior strapless blush pink silk bias cut gown. Fashionably adorned with hand tie bows slightly asymmetric down front of bodice extendi...
Valentino Silk Dress with Cut outs SS 2007
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous marigold yellow fine silk dress from Valentino. It has ruched shoulder straps forming a V neckline and 3 bands of horizontal ruching around the circumference of the bodic...
Gianni Versace Silk Patchwork Print Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous silk dress from Gianni Versace in a compilation patchwork of some of his most notable colorful prints including scrolls, feathers and flowers. It is sleeveless and has a ...
1970s Halston Couture Nude Silk Chiffon Semi Sheer Bias Cut Vintage 70s Dress
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and classic HALSTON 1970s nude silk chiffon semi sheer sleeveless dress ! Two layers of the most luxurious silk chiffon drapes the body beautifully. Hidden snaps up the sid...
Vintage Celine F/W 2004 Beaded Evening Lace Black Dress
By Celine
Located in London, GB
Vintage Celine F/W 2004 Beaded Evening Lace Black Dress Constructed in a delicate interplay of sheer nude mesh and intricate black floral lace, this dress contours the body with pre...
CELINE Vintage 100% silk cotton trim asymmetric layered drape dress FR36 S
By Celine, Michael Kors
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CELINE Vintage 100% silk cotton trim asymmetric layered drape dress FR36 S Reference: MECG/A00144 Brand: Celine Designer: Michael Kors Material: Silk, Cotton Color: White, Black Patt...
CELINE Vintage 100% silk cotton trim asymmetric layered drape dress FR36 S
By Celine, Michael Kors
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CELINE Vintage 100% silk cotton trim asymmetric layered drape dress FR36 S Reference: MECG/A00144 Brand: Celine Designer: Michael Kors Material: Silk, Cotton Color: White, Black Patt...
CELINE by MICHAEL KORS 2003 Vintage Runway Silk Maxi Dress Gown
By Celine
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Michael Kors for Celine Vintage SS03 Runway Army green silk with silver and gold foiling Hard boned underwire at breast F36 Great vintage condition, minor feeling of wear throughout ...
Sold
Size: FR 36 (US 4 / UK 8 / IT 40)
Celine By Michael Kors Runway Zebra Patterned Sequins & Lace Slip Dress, FW2003
By Celine, Michael Kors
Located in Geneva, CH
Not only the twin of this dress was Look 1 on the 2003 Fall-Winter Celine runway show, but also it was the one chosen for the AD campaign the same year. This Celine by Michael Kors s...
CELINE Vintage 100% silk cotton trim asymmetric layered drape dress FR36 S
By Celine, Michael Kors
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CELINE Vintage 100% silk cotton trim asymmetric layered drape dress FR36 S Reference: MECG/A00144 Brand: Celine Designer: Michael Kors Material: Silk, Cotton Color: White, Black Patt...
Celine Draped Mini Dress
By Celine
Located in London, GB
Celine Draped Mini Dress Black, sleeveless dress designed with draped ruffle detail. Featuring crew neckline and concealed zip closure to the side....
rare CELINE Phoebe Philo 2016 Runway cream silk sheer lace slip dress FR38 M
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare CELINE Phoebe Philo 2016 Runway cream silk sheer black lace slip dress FR38 M Reference: TGAS/E00606 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: SS2016 - Runway Material: C...
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo cream kangaroo leather pocketed shift dress FR36 S
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo cream kangaroo leather pocketed shift dress FR36 S Reference: MECG/A00015 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Leather Color: Cream Pattern: Solid C...
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo 2017 blue mohair wool button down dress FR36 S
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo 2017 blue mohair wool button down dress FR36 S Reference: MECG/A00052 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: 2017 Material: Mohair, Wool Color: Blue...
rare OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo black shiney lambskin rusched sleeve dress FR36 S
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo black shiney lambskin rusched sleeve dress FR36 S Reference: TGAS/C01452 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Model: Leather dress Material: Lambskin Lea...
CELINE Size S Cream Multi Color Butterflies Lace Knee Length Dress
By Celine
Located in San Francisco, CA
CELINE dress in a cream and multi-color lace fabric featuring a floral design with printed butterflies, 3/4 sleeves, and side zipper closure.Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: ...