PHOEBE PHILO, Handbag designer
PHOEBE PHILO, Handbag designer
COMELY HANDBAG
When Phoebe Philo returned to fashion in 2009, after a three year break, there was a collective sigh of relief. Hers was a voice much missed in the industry one that,
Throughout the noughties, had sung of fashion handbag that were breathtakingly desirable but spurned fantasy in a quest for real-life luxury.
Philo who was born in Paris to British parents began to make her impact on Parisian fashion in 1997, when she came to Chloe as first assistant to its new handbag creative director, Stella McCartney. Philo took over four years later and gave Chloe its girlish 1970s
The Paddington bag one of her designs was a huge hit. All 8,000 produced for Spring/Summer 2005 were sold before they even hit the stores. Nowadays, this reaction is one that Philo is accustomed to. Back in the driving seat of a French brand, she continues to create handbag designs that prompt feverish desire.
Philo is now the creative director at Parisian house Celine and, during her time at the helm, has made it the insider label to covet. She almost single handedly pioneered a return to minimal, simple luxury, where feel and cut are paramount.
An eye for the details of urban life adds just enough cool. Thanks to her, flat skater ladies handbag became luxury items, and the check of a launderette bag gained new life as ready to wear with four figure price tags.