Since taking over the helm in September 2008, British designer Phoebe Philo has reinvigorated the house of Céline, rebuilding it from scratch and reinventing it for a new era. In its 64-year existence, Céline has always been very polished, exquisitely French and known for its unusual love for “equestrienne chic” style. In its dashing Philo era, the brand has evolved its classic-yet-modern “utilitarian sportswear” look, where a subdued, simple palette seems perfectly suited to its fresh feminine proportions, luxurious fabrics and striking cuts. Each lean, clean collection takes on Philo’s instinctual approach to fashion: practical, comfortable and easy to wear. Her humble aesthetic is crafted with original flair, where polar opposites — think masculine versus feminine — clash with serendipitous results. Philo, who has been hailed as the “Queen of the New Minimalism,” was honoured for converting Céline from a French ready-to-wear brand to one of the world’s most coveted modern-luxury labels at the end of 2010, when she was awarded Designer of the Year by the British Fashion Council.