Guide Note

Celine is a French upscale fashion label that has been around for over 60 years and was founded by Céline Vipiana. Croatian designer Ivana Omazic is the current Creative Director for the brand.

Fast Facts

1. Founded: 1945 as a children's shoe business
2. Created by: Céline Vipiana
3. Headquarters: Paris, France
4. 1967: First accessories boutique opens in Paris
5. 1969: Debut of the first ready to wear collection
6. 1987: Purchased by leading luxury-goods group LVMH
7. Michael Kors was the Creative Director from 1997 to 2004
8. There are over 100 boutiques worldwide

Céline Vipiana in 1982: "I had wanted to start my own fashion line for a long time, but I had to wait for the right opportunity. It’s not a matter of fact, when one sells shoes and leather goods, to just say, 'I’m going to add a ready-to-wear department.' The day I suggested my idea, those around me wailed, 'A woman looking for a dress to buy will never go to a leather goods shop.' I replied, 'That’s not true, you’re making a mistake.' "