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10 things you may not know about Phoebe Philo

Thought you knew everything about the legendary designer? Think again…

Phoebe Philo wearing a white shirt, black blazer and matching suit trousers
Natalie Salmon
Fashion Digital Editor
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Phoebe Philo has had a long and illustrious fashion career. She is probably most famous for her work Celine which completely changed the game in terms of redefining what women aspired to wear.

She eschewed the noughties logomania trend and replaced it with a minimalist aesthetic, tonal colour palettes in muted shades and, of course, clean silhouettes, all of which gained traction with critics and consumers alike. Under her tenure Celine, the label underwent a transformation from 'outdated' Parisian label to the ‘coolest’ brand on the planet, beloved by the fashion industry.

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Phoebe Philo walking down the runway after Celine's AW11/12 show during Paris Fashion Week © Getty
Phoebe was met with rapturous applause after Celine's AW11/12 show during Paris Fashion Week

What does Phoebe Philo do now?

Phoebe Philo is officially back in the fashion world, launching her namesake brand, Phoebe Philo. The namesake labels first collection drop titled “A1” and is made up of 150 styles, all boasting the Philo aesthetic we’ve missed so very dearly. As expected, the full collection will be dropping in intervals, with the first available to shop as we speak.

Why is Phoebe Philo so important?

Phoebe Philo wearing a white shirt, black blazer and matching suit trousers © Getty
The designer redefined style for an entire generation

Phoebe is important because she revolutionised the fashion industry with her new aesthetic. According to Vogue, “She had an uncommon knack for synthesizing the aspirational with the everyday, and in the process she defined the modern look of a generation.”

What did Phoebe Philo design?

Phoeben Philo holding CFDA award © Getty
The designer scooped up a CFDA award in 2011

The Chloé Paddington handbag, The Chloé banana print, The Celine scarf-print shirt, The Celine camel coat and The Celine ‘Luggage’ tote are some of Phoebe’s most famous designs for the brands she worked for all of which prompted a slew of high-street copycats and knock-offs… and still do to this day.

How do I dress like Phoebe Philo?

Phoebe Philo in a black plunging dress with a gold upper arm cuff © Getty
The fashion legend championed the minimalist aesthetic

Relaxed tailoring, beiges, grey and camel tones, and of course her trademark white sneakers. Look to the feed of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for modern Philo inspiration.

Where did Phoebe Philo work before?

After graduating from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, in 1996 Philo began working for Chloé in 1997 as Stella McCartney's design assistant, succeeding her as creative director in 2001. After 5 years she left to have her second child and had a three year break before being offered the gig at Céline.

Where is Phoebe Philo from?

Phoebe Philo was born on the 1st of January 1973 in Paris, France but is actually British. Her parents were working out there at the time. She was then raised in Harrow, London.

Who are Phoebe Philos parents?

Daughter to a surveyor and graphic artist/ art dealer, there was no doubt that Phoebe would achieve creative greatness and business sucess in her lifetime. Her mother Celia actually had a hand in helping create David Bowie's iconic Aladdin Sane ablum cover. 

Was Phoebe Philo always into fashion?

Apparently when Philo was just 10 years old she began to express her love for fashion. She is said to have taken a school leotard and upcycled it look like one of Madonna's. Then at age 14 she recieved a sewing machine from her parents and the rest is history.

Has Phoebe Philo been recognised for her craft?

Phoebe has been the recipient of multiple honours, some of which include British Designer of the Year in 2005 and 2010. In 2011 she was named International Designer of the Year and perhaps her most notable accolade, in 2014 she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Who is Phoebe Philo married to?

In July 2004 Philo married art gallerist and dealer Max Wigram. They now live in London and are parents to three children.

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