Celine handbags stand out without the need for flashy labels or logos. Their clean lines, structured silhouettes, and impeccable craftsmanship make them instantly recognizable.
They are usually slung over the arm of a stylish woman who prioritizes quality and style over flash and logos. Celine handbags come with a premium price tag, making them a coveted luxury rather than an everyday sight.
Ashley Tisdale, Vanessa Hudgens, and Emily Blunt carrying Celine handbags (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)
Designer bags hold their value quite well and are a popular resale item. You can find different consignment websites or classified ads with people selling their Celine handbags. This is a great option, and you’ll be able to get a great bag at a lower price.
Kate Upton, carrying a Celine Box bag and wearing Louboutin pumps, arrives at the Ed Sullivan Theatre for her appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman in New York City on February 12, 2013 (Credit: HRC / WENN)
Spotting the Real Deal: Authenticity in a Sea of Imitations
Imagine paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for a second-hand Celine bag made in a shady warehouse overseas.
These independent second-hand retailers aren’t the only ones you need to be wary of. Many brick-and-mortar and e-commerce stores are selling fake bags.
Green Trapeze two-way bag with gold-tone hardware and padlock detail
At first glance, the price tag may seem reasonable, but once you use the bag, the lack of quality becomes apparent.
There are a lot of realistic fakes out there, but they often aren’t built to last like a genuine Celine bag, and you won’t be receiving the same quality. If you want to sell it down the road, you may find out you have a fake bag and won’t get more than $10 for it.
So, how do you tell a real Celine bag from a fake? The answer lies in the details!
Celine’s Rich Heritage: From Humble Beginnings to Fashion Icon
Although the brand, specifically the bags, has gained much international attention over the past few decades, its history goes back a lot further. Celine Vipiana opened a boutique children’s shoe store in Paris, France, in 1945.
Celine and her boutique quickly gained a positive reputation. Soon, her shoes adorned the feet of the petite Princess and Prince of Monaco. Quickly, the brand grew, making men’s and women’s shoes.
Pink/gold-tone Céline Macadam bag with single shoulder strap
In 1959, the iconic Celine moccasins were developed, and over the next five years, Celine established her line of women’s clothing. By the mid-1970s, Celine had gained international success and sold in the US, Russia, Japan, Korea, Italy, and Switzerland.
As many luxury brands do, Celine was purchased by LVMH, the largest supplier of luxury goods, in 1996. This strategic move elevated the brand to new levels of success and fame.
Celebrating Celine’s Renowned Designers
The brand has seen its share of designer turnover. Following Celine Vipiana, designer Peggy Huynh Kinh was appointed to modernize the brand.
In 1997, an American designer named Michael Kors was brought in. He designed until 2004 when he left to focus on his own brand (and, as we now know, has done very well!).
In 2005, Ivana Omazic was brought on in hopes of transforming the brand. Unfortunately, after three years of disappointing designs, she was replaced by Phoebe Philo in 2008.
Celine found their flow with Phoebe and continued to build and design the brand for nearly a decade until she departed in 2017.
In February 2018, following Philo’s departure, the brand appointed Hedi Slimane as Artistic, Creative, and Image Director. Slimane immediately made bold changes, dropping the accent over the “e” in Céline and introducing a new logo before his first show.
His Spring/Summer 2019 debut, which included menswear for the first time in the brand’s history, was controversial. The Washington Post noted that “he has blown up everything that Celine was, flushed it clean.” However, his Fall/Winter 2019 collection embraced a bourgeois French girl aesthetic, which was widely praised.
Black/red/yellow Céline logo-debossed gold-tone ring clutch
Under Slimane’s leadership, Celine expanded into new categories, including menswear and beauty, fueling the brand’s growth into a megabrand.
In October 2024, Slimane announced his departure from Celine after a transformative seven-year tenure. Celine released a statement acknowledging his impact: “Under his creative and artistic direction, Celine has experienced exceptional growth and established itself as an iconic French couture house.”
On October 2, 2024, LVMH announced the appointment of Michael Rider as the new Creative Director of Celine, set to join in early 2025. Rider, an American designer, previously served as design director at Celine under Phoebe Philo for a decade and was most recently the creative director at Polo Ralph Lauren.
Celine’s CEO, Séverine Merle, expressed enthusiasm about Rider’s return, stating in Vogue, “Michael’s vision, creative talent, together with his genuine nature and strong connection to Celine’s heritage make him a natural choice to continue to build a long-lasting success for the maison.”
Each designer and phase of the brand’s growth has reflected a unique style. Although trends have changed, the quality of each bag has remained consistent.
The Art of Celine Craftsmanship
Celine’s “La Manufacture,” or factory, is located in the small Italian village of Radda in the Chianti region. The massive space is a 5200 m2, eco-sustainable building designed by Italian architect Fabio Barluzzi.
Over 15 lines of Celine bags are made here from beginning to end. 117 leather specialists cut and punch the leather by hand as they sculpt and sew the Celine bags.
Authenticity Check: Ensuring Your Celine Bag is Genuine
Fake handbags lack the precision and quality of handcrafted bags. This is your tell-tale sign when determining a real bag from a fake.
1. Examine the Zippers: Quality Speaks for Itself
Look at the zippers and, if possible, test them. A cheap, discolored zipper identifies a fake.
Authentic hardware on Celine bags is always a genuine precious metal
Celine zippers are made of metal that will match the color of the bag. They are pretty sleek, usually with one number engraved on the front.
2. Assess the Leather: The Look, Feel, and Smell Test
The brand uses quality leather as its material. The next step is to sniff it –you may want to do this discreetly. If the bag has a chemical smell reminiscent of gasoline, this can show that it is fake leather.
3. Inspect the Stitching: Precision is Key
Next, look at the stitching. These bags are made by hand by experts in the leather-making industry, and they go through extensive quality checks.
Stitching on Celine bags should be flawless with no loose stitches
A real Celine bag will have even stitches throughout. Uneven or sloppy stitching is a telltale sign of a fake—if you notice it, steer clear!
4. Know the Collection: Spotting Fake vs. Real Designs
When you are familiar with the brand and know the products well, you are less likely to be fooled by a fake. Sometimes, these fakes have zippers, pockets, or details that don’t exist on the real version.
If you know about the bags, you have better luck identifying fakes. If not, here are some of the best sellers and the ones most likely to be replicated and sold on Canal St. in NYC.
That said, if you are looking for an authentic bag – avoid Canal Street altogether. I promise you these are not real bags that “just fell off the truck.”
Celine’s Most Coveted: The Top 6 Iconic Bags
When buying a Celine bag, it’s hard to pick a style – they are all beautiful. That said, there are a few designs that remain the chosen arm candy of women around the world. These six styles are the most popular Celine bags.
1. The Luggage Bag: The Ultimate Statement Piece
This bag was one of Phoebe Philo’s first creations when she joined Celine and is the most recognized (and replicated) bag. It was first released in 2009 and now comes in various sizes and colors.
Celine Medium Luggage tote with logo stamp on the front
These bags range in price, depending on the size. To get yourself a Celine Luggage bag, you must pay between $2,000 and $3,750.
2. The Trio Bag: Small but Mighty in Functionality
This unique bag is designed with three individual compartments. Although relatively small, these three compartments make the bag super functional.
Trio bag in smooth lambskin with an adjustable leather shoulder strap
It is also one of their more affordable bags, with prices starting at $1,100.
3. The 16 Bag: Hedi Slimane’s Tribute to Vintage Chic
Hedi Slimane designed the 16 bags, and is one of Celine’s latest releases. This bag’s 60s vintage inspiration has quickly made it one of their best sellers.
Celine large soft 16 handbag in supple grained calfskin
The 16 line features several styles and sizes, including the Besace 16, Chain Bag 16, Small, Medium, and Large 16s. The cost of a Celine 16 bag is from $2,100 up to $7,500.
4. The Triomphe Bag: A Modern Take on a Classic
Made at their newest Italian factory, this 2018 creation is a fancier version of their Classic bag. It has a stunning gold “Triomphe” clasp. The Triomphe is available in different materials, including calfskin, embroidery, lizard, watersnake, cowskin, and more.
There are also various shapes and sizes. The design of the Triomphe emblem is what makes this line distinct. With such variation in style, there is also a significant range in pricing.
Strap Bag Triomphe in natural calfskin
A Small Triomphe Camera bag with embroidery costs $1,500, whereas the Medium Triomphe bag in Lizard costs $7,000, with many styles and prices in between.
5. The Belt Bag: Effortless Style for Everyday Wear
This sleek bag is perfect for everyday use. It was designed to have a more casual feel, with its defining feature being a tied belt that runs across the front.
Orange/black belt bag with a foldover top with magnetic fastening
Like all other bags, the Belt bag comes in various sizes and colors. This bag costs between $2,100 and $3,000.
6. The Classic Bag: Timeless, Elegant, and Always in Demand
Designer bags are an excellent investment, and the Classic Celine bag is one of your best investments. Its timeless design features clean lines and simple adornment.
It was first released in 2011, and a new collection of Classic bags is released yearly. Due to the appeal of its classic style, it is one of the most expensive Celine bags you can get. Made from lizard or calfskin, the Classic bag costs between $3,300 and $7,500.
Small Classic bag in box calfskin with an adjustable and removable leather strap and a metallic clasp closure
Investing in Authenticity: The Importance of Buying Genuine Celine
As we can see, a new Celine bag doesn’t come cheap, so many look to second-hand or discounted retailers. Although finding a real, authentic Celine bag at a lower price is possible, you need to be wary of purchasing a fake one.
When you buy from an authorized retailer, you can have more confidence in your purchase. Receipts and certification of authenticity can help, but these too can be faked, and you need to do your due diligence to ensure you get an authentic vs. fake Celine bag.
Do your research, familiarize yourself with the Celine product, and inspect the bag you are purchasing so you can avoid making a costly mistake!
Stepping Out in Style: Celebrities Who Love Celine Handbags
Celine handbags have long been a celebrity staple, seamlessly blending luxury with timeless design. From casual outings to red carpet events, these iconic bags complement a variety of styles. Here are some notable instances of celebrities showcasing their favorite Celine pieces:
Jordana Brewster’s Affection for the Celine Luggage Tote
- Event: Various Outings in Los Angeles
- Outfit: Jordana Brewster has been frequently spotted with her Celine Luggage Tote, pairing it effortlessly with both casual and formal ensembles.
- Details: Whether heading to acting classes or attending private events, Jordana’s choice of the Celine Luggage Tote underscores its versatility and her impeccable style.
- More Details: Jordana Brewster’s Celine Luggage Tote obsession
Ashley Tisdale’s Neon Celine Mini Luggage Bag
- Event: Daily Errands and Casual Outings
- Outfit: Ashley Tisdale often incorporates her neon yellow Celine Mini Luggage Bag into her wardrobe, adding a vibrant touch to her casual looks.
- Details: From brunches to shopping trips, Ashley’s bold bag choice highlights her playful yet chic fashion sense.
- More Details: Ashley Tisdale’s bright and bold Celine handbag
Dakota Fanning’s Chic Celine Trio Crossbody
- Event: Casual Day Out in New York City
- Outfit: Dakota Fanning was seen with a light blue Celine Trio Crossbody Bag, perfectly complementing her laid-back attire.
- Details: The compact design of the Trio bag offers both functionality and style, making it a favorite for Dakota’s on-the-go lifestyle.
- More Details: Dakota Fanning’s effortless street style with a Celine Trio Bag
Dakota Fanning’s Elegant Celine Blade Flap Bag
- Event: 70th Venice International Film Festival
- Outfit: At the Venice Film Festival, Dakota Fanning accessorized her ensemble with a blue Celine Blade Flap Bag, adding a touch of sophistication to her look.
- Details: The sleek design of the Blade bag complemented Dakota’s fashion-forward outfit, showcasing Celine’s ability to blend elegance with modern trends.
- More Details: Dakota Fanning’s stunning Celine Blade Flap Bag moment
These instances highlight the widespread appeal of Celine handbags among celebrities, offering designs that range from bold statements to elegant classics.