Though Phoebe Philo's first collection for Celine only arrived in international stores last week, she has a ton of changes up her sleeve for the company. The former head designer of Chloé joined the house of Celine in September 2008. "By giving Philo Celine, we’re giving her a platform to express her vision," said Pierre-Yves Roussel, CEO of LVMH's fashion division, owner of Celine.

This past year, Celine closed more than a few stand-alone stores, but the brand plans on opening a new boutique concept early in the new year.

"There are certain stores that are not adapted to the way we see the brand today, the product today and the consumer who will aspire to it," Marco Gobbetti, chief executive officer of Celine told WWD. He also revealed that at least 10 locations will be brought in line with Philo's design vision over the coming year.Continue reading...

They may once have sung "All You Need Is Love." But in case that's not enough, the Beatles unveiled on Monday a high fashion bag collection, in collaboration with Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons.

The collection of bags and shirts come simply spattered with apples and polka dots, the former en homage to Apple Corps, the company controlling the rock stars' legacy. The latter is merely a favorite pattern of the Japanese designer.

“I want to develop the ‘Beatles by CDG’ collection in a strong conceptual way,” said Ms. Kawakubo through an interpreter. “Instead of making many unnecessary items that may come to resemble a Beatles souvenir shop, I think it is better to concentrate on one strong idea.”

The 10 bags are sure to be a hit with the vegan crowd; all are non-leather (consistent with the passion of Paul McCartney's late wife Linda and their daughter, designer Stella McCartney), and are made of embossed polyurethane and printed PVC material. Kawakubo explained the graphic patterns as “deliberately undesigned” and “prototypical shapes.”Continue reading...