Check Out These 16 Brands If You Miss Phoebe Philo’s Céline

Although I don’t have the hatred for Hedi Slimane that Diet Prada does, I still much prefer the Old Céline. If you don’t get the reference, then here we go:

Phoebe Philo was the creative director of Céline from 2008-2018 after her stint at Chloe. She transformed the label from everyday clothing for the rich to collections that truly made a woman feel connected to what she was wearing, and a style that can only be explained as, well, maximalist minimalistic.

Philo-philes, as they call themselves (psh, I’m saying they as if I’m not one of them), all mourned the loss of one of fashions most elusive creative directors – behind Martin Margiela, of course – when it was surprisingly announced in late 2017 that she would be stepping down, with Slimane of YSL taking her place. Fans were outraged at her departure, but some consoled by the fact that The Row and JW Anderson would fill the void. Turns out, that isn’t really the case. People are still turning to eBay and The Real Real to find the coveted and rare pieces from her 10-year run at the company, often paying above retail for the items.

To try and close the gap between Philo-era Céline and, well, anything else, we’ve rounded up some of the best labels to scour for pieces if you’re feeling nostalgic for Phoebe’s designs. Just beware: they likely won’t be (or feel) the same. Truthfully, her designs have an unmatched aesthetic that seemingly can’t be recreated, no matter how hard Mary-Kate and Ashley try, but they’re close enough while you wait years for your size of those black leather flatforms or Madame boots to show up on eBay.

Monse

Monse is probably most similar to Philo’s Céline in terms of color, asymmetry, and beautifully deconstructed basics.
Monse Racing Stripe Vintage Pant in Blue,Plaid. - size 8 (also in 2)
Monse Racing Stripe Vintage Pant

Monse Cold Shoulder Split Blouse in Black. - size 4 (also in 2,6,8)
Monse Cold Shoulder Split Blouse in Black

Monse Striped Chevron Jersey Dress in Blue,Stripes,White. - size 4 (also in 2)
Monse Striped Chevron Jersey Dress

Monse Cascade Rip Turtleneck in Blue. - size S (also in M,XS)
Monse Cascade Rip Turtleneck

Monse Giant Cuff Sweater in Metallic Silver. - size M (also in )
Monse Giant Cuff Sweater in Metallic Silver

Lemaire

If you’re trying to recreate the neutral tones and distinct look of Old Céline, Lemaire is your best bet for shoes and clothing.
Lemaire V Neck Cardigan Dress in Yellow. - size L (also in )
Lemaire V Neck Cardigan Dress in Yellow

Lemaire Light Single Button Jacket in Brown. - size 38 (also in 34)
Lemaire Light Single Button Jacket in Brown

Lemaire Strappy Heel Sandal in Nude. - size 37 (also in 41)
Lemaire Strappy Heel Sandal

Khaite

Khaite is heaven for anyone looking for a “basic” sweater that costs $900 but is so worth it.
KHAITE Sienna Sweater in Black. - size XS (also in L,M,S)
KHAITE Sienna Sweater in Black

KHAITE Dagny Top in Red. - size L (also in M,S)
KHAITE Dagny Top in Red

KHAITE Mckenna Long Blazer in Black. - size 2 (also in 0)
KHAITE Mckenna Long Blazer in Black

KHAITE Sandra Tank in Green. - size XS (also in L,M)
KHAITE Sandra Tank in Green

Jil Sander

If you’re looking for a basic silhouette with an industrial twist (often in black or white), look no further than Jil Sander.
Jil Sander Bracelet Wallet Bag in White.
Jil Sander Bracelet Wallet Bag in White

Jil Sander Scoop Neck Dress in Blue. - size 38 (also in 34,36)
Jil Sander Scoop Neck Dress

Jil Sander Open Toe Bootie in Black. - size 37 (also in 36,36.5,37.5,38,38.5,39,39.5,40)
Jil Sander Open Toe Bootie in Black

Jil Sander Hook Zip Wallet Crossbody Bag in Black.
Jil Sander Hook Zip Wallet Crossbody Bag in Black

Jacquemus

Quickly becoming a legend in his own right, Jacquemus’ namesake label has all the exaggerated silhouettes we saw at Old Céline, plus a lot more color.
JACQUEMUS Bahia Shirt in White. - size 38 (also in 40)
JACQUEMUS Bahia Shirt in White

JACQUEMUS Rosa Short in Pink. - size 40 (also in 34)
JACQUEMUS Rosa Short in Pink

JACQUEMUS Leather Faya Heels in Brown. - size 39 (also in 38,38.5,39.5,41)
JACQUEMUS Leather Faya Heels in Brown

JACQUEMUS Praio Sweater in Neutral. - size 42 (also in )
JACQUEMUS Praio Sweater in Neutral

JACQUEMUS Arancia Short in Orange. - size 42 (also in )
JACQUEMUS Arancia Short in Orange

Maison Margiela

From the pillow bags to the Tabi’s, Margiela is also a cult-status minimalist brand that Philo-philes are bound to love.
Maison Margiela Glam Slam Shoulder Bag in Red.
Maison Margiela Glam Slam Shoulder Bag in Red

Maison Margiela Cutout Chunky Cardigan in Blue. - size XS (also in S)
Maison Margiela Cutout Chunky Cardigan in Blue

Maison Margiela Light Brushed Tabi Boot in Black. - size 43 (also in 40,41,42,44)
Maison Margiela Light Brushed Tabi Boot in Black

Maison Margiela Utility Pant in Neutral. - size 38 (also in 42)
Maison Margiela Utility Pant in Neutral

Mansur Gavriel

If you loved the minimal-yet-genius feel of Philo-designed handbags, check out Mansur Gavriel.
Mansur Gavriel Fringe Bucket in Neutral.
Mansur Gavriel Fringe Bucket in Neutral

Mansur Gavriel Drawstring Pouch in Blue.
Mansur Gavriel Drawstring Pouch in Blue

Mansur Gavriel Mini Fringe Bag in White.
Mansur Gavriel Mini Fringe Bag in White

Mansur Gavriel Pleated Bucket in Yellow.
Mansur Gavriel Pleated Bucket in Yellow

Mugler

The resurrected brand perfectly illustrates the ultra-tailored look of Céline.
Mugler Tailored Blazer in Black. - size 36 (also in 34)
Mugler Tailored Blazer in Black

Mugler Detail Dress in Black. - size 36 (also in 38,40)
Mugler Detail Dress in Black

Mugler Large Ear Cuff in Metallic.
Mugler Large Ear Cuff in Metallic

Mugler Abstract Top in Multi. - size 38 (also in 36)
Mugler Abstract Top in Multi

Petar Petrov

You know the very few times Philo used colors, patterns, and odd textures? Petar Petrov is basically that, in one place.
Petar Petrov Haena Wide Leg Leather Pant in Brown. - size 36 (also in 34,38,40)
Petar Petrov Haena Wide Leg Leather Pant in Brown

Petar Petrov Dedra Front Bow Dress in Brown. - size 38 (also in 34,36,40)
Petar Petrov Dedra Front Bow Dress in Brown

Petar Petrov Hansville Pant in Blue,Plaid,White. - size 38 (also in 36)
Petar Petrov Hansville Pant

Petar Petrov Leather Rita Skirt in Neutral. - size 38 (also in 40)
Petar Petrov Leather Rita Skirt in Neutral

Reike Nen

Reike Nen is a detail-oriented, but somehow still simple, shoe brand that is definitely Philo-approved.
Reike Nen Curved Middle Slingback in White. - size 38 (also in 39)
Reike Nen Curved Middle Slingback in White

Reike Nen Unbalanced String Sandal in Black. - size 38 (also in )
Reike Nen Unbalanced String Sandal in Black

Reike Nen Square Ribbon Half Boots in White. - size 38 (also in )
Reike Nen Square Ribbon Half Boots in White

Reike Nen Asymmetry Turnover Heel in White. - size 39 (also in 36,38,40)
Reike Nen Asymmetry Turnover Heel in White

Helmut Lang

HL is almost identical to Céline when it comes to oversized and exaggerated pieces.
Helmut Lang Logo Coat in Black,Neutral. - size M (also in )
Helmut Lang Logo Coat

Helmut Lang Crew Neck Sweater in Blue. - size XS (also in L,M,S)
Helmut Lang Crew Neck Sweater

Helmut Lang Combo Zip Sweatshirt in Black. - size S (also in L)
Helmut Lang Combo Zip Sweatshirt in Black

Helmut Lang Turtleneck Sweater in White. - size M (also in L,XS)
Helmut Lang Turtleneck Sweater in White

Nili Lotan

Oversized in all the right places, just like OC.
NILI LOTAN Noa Shirt in Brown. - size S (also in )
NILI LOTAN Noa Shirt in Brown

NILI LOTAN Ena in Denim Medium. - size 25 (also in )
NILI LOTAN Ena in Denim Medium

NILI LOTAN Kiki Sweatpant in Nude. - size XS (also in L,M,S)
NILI LOTAN Kiki Sweatpant in Nude

NILI LOTAN Lakota Sweater in White. - size M (also in )
NILI LOTAN Lakota Sweater in White

Acne Studios

Where prints and silver are somehow in the same realm as muted neutrals, Acne Studios is on par with Philo in terms of design and high quality fabric.
Acne Studios Beatrice Mules in Black. - size 36 (also in 37,38,39,40,41)
Acne Studios Beatrice Mules in Black

Acne Studios Katrina Tank Top in Brown,Neutral. - size L (also in S,XS)
Acne Studios Katrina Tank Top

Acne Studios Niola Print Tight in Abstract,Blue,Neutral. - size S (also in XS)
Acne Studios Niola Print Tight

Fay Andrada

Missed the crinkle earrings or chunky hoops? Fay Andrada has you covered.
Fay Andrada Tayeh X-Large Earrings in Metallic Gold.
Fay Andrada Tayeh X-Large Earrings in Metallic Gold

Fay Andrada Harja Earrings in Metallic Silver.
Fay Andrada Harja Earrings in Metallic Silver

Fay Andrada Pallo Necklace in Metallic Gold.
Fay Andrada Pallo Necklace in Metallic Gold

Fay Andrada Koko Medium Hoops in Metallic Gold.
Fay Andrada Koko Medium Hoops in Metallic Gold

By Far

If you’re looking for the modern-but-still-a-statement shoe, here you go.
By Far Maria in White. - size 40 (also in 41)
By Far Maria in White

By Far Becca in Black. - size 40 (also in )
By Far Becca in Black

By Far Maye in Metallic. - size 37 (also in 39,40)
By Far Maye in Metallic

By Far Jaz Mule in Neutral. - size 38 (also in 36)
By Far Jaz Mule in Neutral

Nanushka

With patterns a rarity, Nanushka is super similar to Old Céline in it’s draped and simple styles.
Nanushka Hide Jacket in Black. - size S (also in M,XS)
Nanushka Hide Jacket in Black

Nanushka Salome Top in Blue. - size M (also in L,S,XS)
Nanushka Salome Top in Blue

Nanushka Mame Dress in Purple. - size M (also in S,XS)
Nanushka Mame Dress

Cover Photo Via @oldceline

Words by Kate Sullivan

@kateerin