Renowned British designer Phoebe Philo is finally making her long-awaited comeback. After creating buzz with the announcement of her eponymous brand, she took to Instagram recently to reveal that her first collection will be unveiled in September and will be available on her website. In a press release back in July 2021, Philo had shared her plans to launch her own brand, featuring ready-to-wear apparel and accessories. However, since then, she has remained tight-lipped about the details. The designer had also mentioned in her previous statement that she will be the majority shareholder of the brand, with luxury group LVMH holding a minority stake. She emphasized her involvement in every aspect of brand creation and production. While no further information has been provided, it is expected that her studio will be based in London, where she currently resides.
During the time since the announcement, Philo has been diligently working on building and structuring her company. According to information from LinkedIn, she has recruited several managers to join her team. This includes Patrik Silén, a former employee of Asos and McKinsey. Philo has also hired product, development, and textile managers, as well as designers, who will work on developing the brand’s products, such as ready-to-wear apparel, bags, and shoes.
Phoebe Philo left her position as creative director of Celine five years ago, which is now under the direction of Hedi Slimane. Despite her absence, she has maintained her iconic status in the fashion industry and still enjoys a loyal fan base. Philo’s successful relaunch of Celine and her time at Chloé have cemented her as an esteemed figure in the fashion world.
Phoebe Philo’s love for fashion was nurtured during her upbringing in London, where she was born to English parents in 1973. After completing her education at Central Saint Martins School, she moved to Paris and joined Stella McCartney, then the creative director of Chloé. In 2001, Philo succeeded McCartney as the creative director of Chloé and introduced a more feminine and modern image for the brand, gaining recognition and acclaim. However, she eventually made the decision to leave the Richemont group label and return to London to prioritize her family.
It took three years for LVMH to persuade Philo to return to Paris and take over at Céline. Her time at Céline further solidified her reputation for minimalistic and timeless style that resonated with women. Additionally, she created highly sought-after accessories, with her bags becoming particularly popular.
After a period of silence, Philo is now gearing up for her comeback with her eponymous brand. Fashion enthusiasts eagerly anticipate her return, admiring her unique vision and design sensibilities. Considering her past successes, it is exciting to speculate what Philo will bring to the fashion world with her highly anticipated collection in September.
Useful links:
1. Business Of Fashion – Phoebe Philo To Launch Her Own Brand
2. Vogue – Phoebe Philo’s Journey From Chloé to Céline
