Say it ain’t so: Rumor has it that after almost 10 years at the helm of Celine, Phoebe Philo is preparing to exit the brand at the end of the year.
Business of Fashion first reported the news of Philo’s departure, adding that parent company LVMH has been interviewing candidates to replace the creative director, who joined the French fashion house in 2008, since earlier this summer, according to sources.
Representatives for LVMH and Celine did not return The Hollywood Reporter‘s request for comment; however, a spokesperson for LVMH told BoF, “We categorically deny any imminent departure of Phoebe Philo from Celine.” They did not deny that interviews were taking place.
During her time at the brand, Philo has garnered unlikely fans including Virgil Abloh (who said just last month, “Celine is everything”) and Kanye West, who name-dropped the designer in his song “Dark Fantasy” back in 2010. She has also been responsible for several of the brand’s It bags, favored by stars like Reese Witherspoon and Miranda Kerr, as well as the entire Kardashian/Jenner brood.
Thanks to Philo’s signature luxe minimalist aesthetic, honed after previous tenures working at Chloe with Stella McCartney, the designer helped revive the luxury house both financially and artistically. If the rumors are true, it will truly be the end of an era.
