Classic, Elegant and Incredibly Chic—This French Handbag Brand Will Never Go Out of Style
Celine bags have been firmly in the crook of the arm or dangling from the hand of fashion aficionados for as long as we can remember and have always been considered a clever investment amongst those in the know.
While the brand has given us many arm candy options to pine over since the '60s, we think it's fair to say that it was the fashion house's former creative director, Phoebe Philo, who helped make its bags so covetable. While Philo has now gone on to launch her own hotly anticipated label, her successor Hedi Slimane has continued to build on Celine's sleek, minimalist aesthetic with fresh covetable designs.
Thanks to their sophisticated shapes, impeccable crafstmanship and subtle yet seriously impressive hardware, Celine bags are undoubtedly a designer piece worth investing in. If you're ready to take the plunge, these are the best and most sought after Celine bags to go for. Be warned—you will want them all.
Shop the Best Celine Handbags:
1. Triomphe
When Hedi Slimane succeeded Phoebe Philo as creative director, one of the first major moves he made was introducing the Triomphe motif, a vintage Celine logo given a fresh update. This is arguably Slimane's signature bag for the brand, with the Seventies logo front and centre of the sleek leather style.
A black shoulder bag that carries lots of fashion points.
Pre-owned is a great way to make a designer investment.
Double the logomania, courtesy of the Triomphe-printed canvas.
2. Victoire
One of the latest Celine releases, the Victoire bag is the Triomphe's softer sibling. Featuring the same Triomphe hardware on the flap, this shoulder bag has a subtly slouchier shape that makes it perfect for weekend and work wear.
This will add a polished touch to any outfit.
Straight off the runway and onto my wishlist.
3. Ava
This half-moon shaped bag first launched in 2020, when it was spotted on the arms of the likes of Kaia Gerber, and was refreshed in the Fall 2023 collection to feature the Triomphe logo. If you want more of a statement piece, explore the patterned iterations, as well as the styles with playful strap details.
This doesn't have the big logo, but it does have a really chic chain detail on the strap.
4. Classic Box
With its clean lines and pared-back adornment, Classic makes for a very apt name for this Celine bag. This style made its way onto the market in 2011 and has been reissued every year since.
Burgundy may be a top hue this season, but it's truly timeless.
5. Belt Bag
If you're looking to upgrade your work bag, this is the style from you. Understated but oh-so chic, this seriously grown up bag feels relaxed enough to comfortably carry all of your daily essentials with ease.
6. 16
The first release from Slimane, this rounded shoulder bag proved to be an instant hit with A-listers. Featuring '60s details, including the cropped flap as well as rounded and belted effects, this bag is a clever homage to Celine's past.
Prefer your bags neat and small? This elegant style is for you.
This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Jess Kelham-Hohler is a freelance writer, editor and content strategist. She has been a contributor for Who What Wear UK since 2023. Currently based in London following six years in Washington D.C. and New York, she was previously the Digital Editor for Soho House & Co, an international group of private members’ clubs for creatives. She has interviewed a range of artists, creators and more, including Alighieri founder Rosh Mahtani, photographer Misan Harriman and fashion editor Lindsay Peoples Wagner. Today, she writes primarily about fashion, travel and culture for various publications, and has worked as a copywriter and content strategist for brands such as Belstaff, Olivela and Equinox.
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