If I could sum up the media trip to Singapore for Céline’s Summer 2017 press preview, it would be swanky. From our stay at the über stylish The Warehouse Hotel to a scrumptious welcome dinner at Open Farm Community, the team’s selections simply reflect the brand’s sophistication and timeless modernity.
As we arrived for the press preview at the breathtakingly beautiful National Gallery Singapore, our excitement doubled. Not only did the collection leave us awestruck, there was also ample natural light at the venue—perfect for picture-taking. We later found out that the photos uploaded on Instagram did not need to be tagged because at that time, the French luxury brand hadn’t joined the social media world. No Instagram account in 2017? It is almost unheard of. In fact, we were not given any press releases or collection notes, just a lookbook of the latest collection. The only hint we got was a quote—spotted on invites to the Céline show in Paris—from artist and writer, Dan Graham: “I want to show that our bodies are bound to the world, whether we like it or not.” Graham also designed the elaborate plexiglass set for the show.
However, it did not come as a surprise. Creative director, Phoebe Philo always lets her clothes speak for themselves. For Summer 2017, Philo presented a collection that was a mix of reality and romance. A split personality contrast was apparent through pieces such as the oversized white blazer and matching pants with a spill of floral chiffon visible at the hem, white dresses with the abstract Yves Klein-blue paint strokes on the front evoking a female form and mannish-shaped jackets worn over a long printed skirt.
The clothes were a reflection on the power of the everyday married with graceful eccentricity. Traditional clothes came in unique proportions with an emphasis on deconstruction. Think ballooning tweeds tied over poplin blouses, backward shirtdresses that looked like a men’s shirt worn over a drop-waist pleated skirt and a black blazer tucked into a pair of white pants. The counterintuitive styling did not stop there, they went all the way to the shoes; from mismatched shoes to low-heeled sandals styled with a plethora of coloured tights.
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The shoes were not the only accessories stealing the show—although I have to admit; I was mildly obsessed with the V-neck pumps and canvas sneakers. The baroque earrings with cultured pearls as well as the medium tote with drops and studs demanded attention, as no two pieces are the same. The was a variety of new bag styles from the collection, including the ‘Clasp’ bag. This key statement of the season is available in different styles such as top handle, shoulder bag and cabas, quickly becoming fan favourites. My personal favourite? A large shiny calfskin tote meant to be held horizontally, just like on the runway.
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As it transpired, the Summer 2017 collection truly did not need any explanation. Just like how wearing mismatched shoes and carrying a large tote in an unconventional way do not need justification. While I respect that Céline kept their digital presence low-key over the years, I was beyond ecstatic that the luxury house has finally decided to join Instagram, and that it might be joining the e-commerce world. Looks like our newsfeed is about to get a whole lot chicer.
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