Is there a Better, more Iconic Handbag Designer than…Phoebe Philo
Photocredit: Shutterstock
Phoebe Philo is one of the most influential handbag designers of the last 25 years. If you’ve ever fallen in love with a handbag that feels both of the moment and timeless, there’s a good chance Phoebe Philo designed it. Over the last two decades, she has shaped the way we think about luxury accessories, first at Chloé (2001–2006) and then Céline (2008–2017) and many of her designs have become true classics.
I’m 35 now, so I was becoming a teenager and then a student right in the middle of the It-bag craze of the early-mid 2000s. These were the peak glossy magazine years Vogue, Elle, Grazia and Heat with paparazzi shots of celebs spilling out of brunch spots, coffee in one hand, giant Chloé bag in the other. It was peak boho: Nicole Richie, Sienna Miller in cowboy boots, Kate Moss in cut-offs, Mischa Barton in The OC. And always, dangling off their arm, a Phoebe Philo design.
Then came Céline. By the time Phoebe moved there in 2008, Out went the boho slouch, in came understated, quiet classics. Sleek lines, (some) muted colours, bags that whispered rather than shouted (apart from the hideous tri-colours...I just can’t..the bag I love…the colours NOPE) For me, this was (and still is) heaven - grown-up, minimal, but still incredibly chic fashion.
Celine Box bag (iconic)
Here’s a look back at the handbags that defined both eras.
Whether you’re shopping second-hand, considering an investment piece, or just curious about fashion history, here’s a guide to Phoebe Philo’s most iconic bags.
At Chloé (2001–2006)
Phoebe worked under Stella McCartney before taking over as Creative Director, and it was at Chloé that she first made her mark in accessories:
Chloé Paddington (2005)
The It-bag of the 2000s, famous for its oversized padlock and slouchy leather.
Caused waitlists and fashion hysteria when it launched.
Still considered one of the Y2K cult bag. It is making a come-back in 2025.
Chloé Silverado (2004)
Less famous than the Paddington, but a major hit structured yet bohemian, with whipstitching and equestrian details.
Often carried by Sienna Miller and Kate Bosworth in the mid-2000s.
Chloé Edith (2006)
Launched towards the end of her Chloé era.
Bowling-bag style with top handles and a central front pocket.
Recently reissued by Chloé in tribute.
At Céline (2008–2017)
This is where Phoebe cemented her reputation for quiet luxury and minimalism. Many of her Céline bags are now considered modern classics:
Céline Luggage Tote (2010)
Instantly recognisable with its “face-like” design.
Came in Nano, Micro, and Mini sizes.
A defining bag of the early 2010s.
Céline Trapeze (2010)
Structured flap bag with wide, winged sides.
Sleek, architectural design — beloved during the minimalist wave.
Céline Classic Box (2011)
A reissue of a 1970s Céline design, but made cult by Philo.
Sleek box shape with gold push-lock closure.
Still produced today under Hedi Slimane (and loving copied shall we say by M&S in 2024)
Céline Trio (2011)
Simple, functional crossbody with three zip pouches.
Minimalism at its purest.
Céline Belt Bag (2014)
Structured tote with distinctive front “belt” detail.
Subtle, practical, but still status-driven.
Photocredit: Shutterstock
Céline Phantom Luggage Tote (2012)
A variation of the Luggage Tote with exaggerated wings and a slouchier body.
Particularly popular in suede and croc-stamped leather.
Signature of Philo’s Bag Design
At Chloé: It-bag maximalism - oversized, heavy hardware, bohemian but luxurious.
At Céline: The complete opposite - minimalism, quiet luxury, pared-back design that whispered status rather than screamed it.
Love Alicexx
