The Phoebe Effect
WSJ March 9th, 2010
Confirmation that these head designers are indeed savvy business people.
“LVMH Wipes Céline Slate Clean, Opening Way for ‘Phoebe Effect’”
An article on Phoebe Philo as designer and strategist for Chloe (past) and Celine.
“Céline recruited Ms. Philo 18 months ago. To start fresh, the company destroyed all of the inventory left in the stores prior to her first collection…”
“Despite prices that seem to forget the Great Recession—like $790 platform sandals—Ms. Philo’s utilitarian overcoats, pants and blouses have tight-fisted store buyers ready to spend.”
style.com
‘”I felt it was necessary to establish quality to the brand,” Ms. Philo said in an interview. “Now that we are establishing that and the top of the pyramid is in place, we can open it out.”‘
“Once on board, Ms. Philo and Céline’s new chief executive, Marco Gobbetti, who previously revived LVMH’s Givenchy house, decided to whittle down the brand’s distribution. ”
“”There were too many stores,” Ms. Philo said, dressed head to toe in Céline except for Nike sneakers.”
“I really felt that in coming back into the workplace, and in life generally, if you start small and reduce everything to a point that’s understandable, it gives you a foundation to grow,” Ms. Philo said. “It’s all about Céline being brought back to a focused situation.”
Tags: celine, phoebe philo
