If there’s one thing I have a soft spot for, it’s a black Celine bag. To me, they epitomise understated luxury, particularly the bags that emerged from Phoebe Philo’s creative direction. Their styles are simple, don’t feature any prominent logos and often you can’t really tell who makes the bag unless you’re familiar with the designer. It’s fair to say that when Philo’s departure was announced and when Hedi Slimane debuted his first collection, Céline lovers had a lot to say about it all. In the wake of the change, Céline’s resale values skyrocketed, with #oldceline lovers trying to snap up their share of Philo-era Céline bags.
I’ve got 4 black Celine bags in my collection that I’ve accumulated throughout the years to mark milestones in my life and career. They’re all Philo designs with 3 purchased during her reign and the last one purchased shortly after the É was removed (boo!). While the overall aesthetic of Celine has changed since Slimane took over as creative director, Philo’s classic bags have survived the changeover… to the relief of many!
Without a doubt, my Celine bags are my most used bags. They’re unfussy and minimalist and just go with everything. And I didn’t realise it at the time, but the purchase of my first Celine bag all those years ago was the beginning of my personal style evolution and transition to a wardrobe of timeless pieces.
So, here they are, in no particular order, my Celine bag collection as at 2020:
Belt Bag
Celine bag (preloved here) styled with Reiss dress, Tony Bianco mules (sold out, similar here and here)
One of my most favoured bags for work, and the youngest addition to my Celine bag collection, is the sleek and ever-so-practical Belt Bag. I’ve got the mini size, which contrary to its name, is the largest size on offer. It fits all of my daily essentials, and then some. The Belt Bag had been on my wishlist for years and I initially had my heart set on the taupe colour. However, after trying it on in store, I found the colour didn’t match my skin tone and after having a play with all the colours on offer, including Amazone, Celine’s version of forest green, as well as Navy, I couldn’t go past the versatility of the black. I’ve shared a comprehensive review of my belt bag after putting it to good use.
Cabas Tote
Celine bag styled with Dior slingbacks (shop pre-loved here), Uniqlo trench (sold out, similar here and here), Reiss knit, Nobody Denim jeans, Gucci Belt and Ray Ban sunglasses
I love the simplicity of the Cabas tote. It’s bereft of all the bells and whistles that can sometimes overwhelm a designer bag. I have the small size which I find suits my petite frame, though I’ve found the interior to still be impressively roomy. My Cabas tote is over six years old and the calfskin exterior has held up amazingly in that time. You can read my comprehensive bag review where I go in-depth about sizing and prices here.
Trio Pouch Bag
Celine bag styled with The Curated Coat (PR), Nobody Denim Jeans, Acne Studios Scarf, Everlane boots, Ray Ban sunnies
Don’t be fooled by the Trio’s small exterior – it packs a punch when it comes to capacity! I’ve previously shared an in-depth review with my thoughts on the bag after five years of use. If you’re after a cross-body bag, I think this is a must-have. It’s classy and chic with a polished exterior, while the long and dainty messenger strap keeps things versatile and cool.
Luggage Tote
Celine bag styled with Uniqlo knit and skirt (similar here), H&M coat (sold out, similar here), Tony Bianco mules (sold out, similar here and here),
Needing no introduction, the Celine Luggage Tote is arguably one of the most recognisable bags of modern handbag history! Released in 2010, it became highly sought after and amassed long waitlists at the height of its popularity. I bought my micro luggage in black calfskin five years ago and it was the ultimate carry-all for work. It’s robust too, great for those who don’t like to baby their bags.
I haven’t reached for it as much recently, since working from home necessitates the need to use, well, any designer handbag really! But when I was travelling into work, the luggage tote was on my rotation of bags to wear when I wasn’t carrying a laptop.
What I’d love to add to my Celine bag collection
At the top of my Celine wishlist is the Sangle Bucket Bag in black (I know right, I’m so predictable!). I don’t have a bucket bag in my collection yet and from what I’ve heard, the thick cloth strap is very comfortable to wear throughout the day. I’ve also had my eye on the Classic Bag in the medium size. It carries a hefty price tag but it is so sophisticated with its distinct box shape.
Are you a Celine lover like me? What Celine bags have you got in your collection? And what bags have you got your eye on? Let me know!
As always, thanks for stopping by.
P.S. See my bag reviews here and my most worn knitwear of 2020.
