If we could choose just one designer to fill our fantasy wardrobe, it would be Phoebe Philo at Celine. In just a few seasons the Englishwoman has made the label the ultimate in grown-up, understated style with a loyal following amongst fashion editors who adore the way she makes clothes that women really want to wear. For Spring/Summer 2012 she developed her famously clean, streamlined silhouette by adding some more dynamic shapes in the form of peplums (achieved by wide belts cinching in tees and tunics), full curved sleeves and billowing trousers.
As always with a Celine collection (remember the shoulder bags that spawned a legion of high street imitations?), there were outstanding accessories, in particular the fierce black ankle strap platforms. But it was the relentlessly cool, wearable, confident clothing that really left a mark; crips shirt dresses, skirt suits that looked both timeless and futuristic, perfectly tailored trousers and pleated skirts that covered the knee.
There was something elegantly severe in the pure simplicity of the pieces and the colour palette that mainly consisted of white, black, and dark shades of plum and green, with the occasional shocking splash of red. If the rumours are true, Phoebe Philo might step into Marc Jacobs’ shoes at Louis Vuitton if the American designer goes to Dior, and while we know she’d take the helm with ease, we can’t help hoping she continues to weave her feminine, intelligent magic at Celine.
Isabel Marant Spring/Summer 2012 catwalk show reportMilan Fashion Week 2011
London Fashion Week 2011 street style
