According to The Fashion Law, Céline’s fall/winter 16 collection will be Phoebe Philo’s last.
(*O*)/
While the Paris-based brand is yet to officially confirm or deny the report, published this afternoon, The Fashion Law writes, “our sources confirm that Philo is, in fact, departing from the house but will wait until the Fall/Winter 2016 collection is marketed to do so.”
Rumors that Philo was planning to leaving Céline, where she has held the creative director position since 2008, initially circulated in August. Page Six reported “industry chatter” that Philo was tired of commuting to Paris, and wanted to spend more time with her family in England.
The Page Six article also alleged that Philo was in talks with “luxury firm Richemont, which owns Chloé, Azzedine Alaïa and Cartier, for a position at one of their brands.” Which, according to today’s Fashion Law bulletin, is true. The report states that Alaïa will be Philo’s next posting.
During her eight year tenure at Céline, Philo has transformed the house into one of the most influential brands in fashion. And it wouldn’t be the first time she’s quit while she’s ahead; Philo left Chloé in 2006, after similarly elevating its collections to cult status.
Taking a position at Alaïa would hardly solve Philo’s cross-channel commute. Neither would it provide an easy answer to the question of who will be taking the reins at Dior. And, if Philo does in fact leave Céline, who could possibly step into her perfectly elegant but offbeat furry shoes? Watch this space.
Credits
Text Alice Newell-Hanson
Photography Francois Guillot for Getty Images