In the modern history of luxury fashion, the Celine bag is a must-have grail. What are the most iconic Celine bags, and how much does a Celine bag cost?
During the 1990s and early aughts (2000s), the “It bag” was a repeating cycle that captivated the fashion world. It may have started with Prada’s iconic black nylon accessories, soon to be followed by hysteria-inducing designs like the Fendi Baguette, Balenciaga City, and Louis Vuitton Monogram Multicolor.
Over the years and throughout the seasons, designers attempted to recreate the hysteria that seemed to follow anything that Carrie Bradshaw wore in Sex and the City or appeared on the arm of one of the Real Housewives.
Of course, throughout all of this and flying a few notches above any trends are the truly timeless staple shapes, like the Chanel Classic Flap and Hermès Birkin. Though less flashy, less instantly-recognizable, and less costly, the Celine bag in various forms has too become a closet staple for any luxury-lover.
Iconic Celine bags
Founded in 1945 by Céline and Richard Vipiana, French label Celine is synonymous with understated elegance and timeless glamour. Originally a made-to-measure children’s shoe shop on rue Malte, Paris, Celine quickly expanded, venturing into ready-to-wear, footwear, leather goods, and fragrances.
Celine bags are luxurious yet minimalistic—they perfectly embody the effortless sophistication of modern Parisian style. There’s just so much to love about Celine bags, from the exquisite construction to the versatility of the designs. A Celine bag will elevate any outfit, casual or formal!
So, what are Celine’s most iconic bags?
Phoebe Philo – The Classic
In 2008, Celine chose Pheobe Philo as its creative director, a post she held for ten years, during which time the brand became the stylish It-girl’s alternative to more mainstream, flashier labels. It’s also during Philo’s tenure that Celine released many of its iconic handbag designs, which are now in high-demand either as carryover designs or as second-hand finds.
The most famous Celine bag is ‘the Classic,’ a structured shoulder bag with a long strap that can be worn crossbody and is made with supple but sturdy box calfskin.
They are so popular that we frequently get them in-stock and then they sell right back out again.
Phoebe Philo – The Luggage
Introduced in 2010, the Luggage tote was Phoebe Philo’s first “It bag”. Spacious and classy, it was an instant success, quickly selling out from stores and online retailers alike.
The Luggage tote features a zipped pocket on the front, adjustable side “wings”, and a structured silhouette. This bag is available in a range of sizes: Medium (currently discontinued), Mini, Micro, and Nano. With a removable shoulder strap, it’s extremely versatile.
Hedi Slimane – The 16
Since Hedi Slimane took over creative direction of the label in 2018, other new Celine bag icons have emerged. The most notable might be the ’16’ top-handle bag, which has a slightly more formal overall design and is made with a grained rather than smooth calfskin and silver or golden hardware.
Like other Celine bag models, the 16 also comes in and out of stock regularly.
Why are Celine bags so expensive?
How much does a Celine bag cost?
Celine bags may not be as pricey as the Chanel Classic Flap and Hermès Birkin, but they’re still not cheap: you will spend between 650$ (for the Panier in raffia) and 7500$ (for the Classic bag in lizard) to get your hands on a Celine bag.
Why are they so expensive? It comes down to a few reasons:
- Celine bags are made in Italy, where factory workers make a fair, livable wage. The label has recently opened a new factory on an old industrial site in the small town of Radda in Chianti, south of Florence.
- Each Celine bag is crafted by skilled artisans with meticulous attention to detail: from the stitching to the lining, a Celine bag is flawless.
- Celine bags are crafted using the most luxurious materials: supple calfskin, lizard skin, shearling…all leathers are natural and unique, which is why tonal variations and veins may occur.
- Celine bags are a wardrobe staple. They’re durable, versatile, and will never go out of style!
We truly believe a Celine bag is a lifelong investment. With a Celine bag on your arm, you will turn heads everywhere you go!
Luckily, we consistently have the best pricing on the market! If you shop italist.com, you can save up to 40% on the full retail price.
A Full Lineup
Along with a grail Celine bag, the line is a complete collection of leather goods, ready to wear, accessories, and shoes for women and men.
Though trends change season-to-season, Hedi Slimane’s job now is to redefine the core tenets of Celine’s brand, which is centralized around the idea of “bourgeois Parisian” with a touch or two of rock and roll.
The Perfect Celine Bag Sidekick
Should you find yourself in the lucky possession of a classic Celine bag example, the natural accompaniment is a pair of Celine sunglasses.
Whichever model you choose, they’ll be bold, ladylike, and along with your Celine bag, something to cherish over the years.
Now that you know how much does a Celine bag cost and the best models to own…save up to 40% on one by shopping on italist.
About the Author
Alex English is the Head of Content Marketing at italist.com, building on a lifelong passion for fashion and luxury. After publishing a lifestyle blog for nearly ten years and obtaining an MBA in Milan at SDA Bocconi, one of Europe’s top business schools, he joined the italist team in 2019. His work since then has focused on upper-funnel messaging, brand storytelling, establishing italist as a thought leader in the space, and enriching the customer experience on the platform. Find him on LinkedIn.
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