Phoebe Philo in Prints: Style & Aesthetic 2008-2018, Old Céline

Phoebe Philo's iconic era at Céline 2008-2018 transformed the way women dress in many ways that still influences the way we to put together their outfits today. The Phoebe Philo woman was minimalist, driven by functional wardrobe aesthetic. She was intellectual, together, yet playful, artsy and expressive. While known for the minimal and refined style, Phoebe Philo's era at Céline saw the brand use textile prints and graphics that helped express a fun, playful, and refined side to the Phoebe Philo woman. Prints and graphics were used across a number of collections that saw some of the brand's most memorable fashion moments including Kanye West famously rocking the scarf print blouse, Yves Klein blue paint dress, Kate Moss rocking the banana print bodysuit among others. Here, we explore how some of the print categories were used and helped carry and communicate Céline aesthetic.

Animal Prints

A staple print for any wardrobe that adds bold and commanding attention to oneself, animal skins and prints were widely used throughout old Celine's collections whether in abstracted graphic all over decorative prints to more natural skins that brought raw animal power into one's wardrobe. Leopard print coats, zebra and tiger stripes, cowhide prints mixed in with bold color panels were mostly used in outerwear paired with plain monochromatic pieces.

I decided to work on things that obsess women because women can't resist things like lace, sequins, animal prints and python. - Phoebe Philo

Florals

Florals are a staple vehicle in fashion communication and are used across a variety of styles and aesthetics. All over, camo effect flower prints expressed a bold personality allowing one to make a statement rather than using flowers in dainty decorative ways.

My aim is to reveal not display women. - Phoebe Philo

Stripes and Color Blocking

Mixing warm and cold tones, bold color combinations or monochromatic shades, color blocks and striped created eye catching and refined styles.

Checks and Plaids

Cozy muted checks and plaids are the definition of fall/winter dressing and allow for certain anonymity as the season sets in blending into the nature. Yet, despite the classic patterns and color palettes Phoebe Philo made the prints contemporary with unique color palettes and scaling that made one look contemporary rather than dated.

I think she [our customer] likes a certain amount of anonymity. I try to offer clothes that allow that. - Phoebe Philo

Non Prints

Expressive textures, shapes and effects made for unique balance of positive and negative space to let one's eye to get lost in.

Painterly Strokes

Brining art into fashion, the abstract expressive paint stroke prints and artist collaboration allowed for playful pieces that brought one's personality out on display.

My relationship with fashion is playful and very expressive of what I'm feeling at the time. - Phoebe Philo

Foulard & Scarf Prints

Perhaps one of the most memorable fashion pieces made famous by Kanye West was the scarf print blouse. The creative way Phoebe Philo and the Celine team used foulard/scarf print placement on garments created new ways for self expression and highlighting one's personality to make a statement.

Phoebe Philo's set to return to fashion in January 2022 with her own label in partnership with the LVMH group and it will be exciting to watch for her take and interpretation of what today's woman wants and looks for! For more Old Celine runway looks and accessories check out our Pinterst Board https://www.pinterest.ca/thepatternedit/phoebe-philo-celine-runway-archive/

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