Céline keeps the wraps on Resort 2014 collection

Céline has unveiled its latest collection without the fanfare of some of the other big brands at the top of the luxury ladder.

According to a report published by WWD, Céline’s PR team want “to keep Phoebe Philo’s most recent design activity secret for a while” and for this reason the brand denied photographers access to its latest presentation and is holding the official runway shots close to its chest until a later date. 

The show reportedly featured “a leaner yet still relaxed silhouette.” The colors are utilitarian with khaki, black, and white joined by some stronger greens and purples, and texturally Philio has apparently played with rich suedes and two-toned fur.

Perhaps fearful of copycat designers, and equally of the explosive social media hype that sees collection images shared and reposted to death seasons before they hit stores, Céline has decided to maintain a veil of secrecy.

It isn’t a new trick: fashion designer, and former Gucci creative director, Tom Ford returned to the catwalk in 2011 with an exclusive show at which the only photographs allowed were snapped by fashion photographer Terry Richardson. Fashion’s biggest editors and buyers were all expected to keep the cat firmly in the bag while a selection of superstar celebrities paraded down the runway. It wasn’t a philosophy that lasted though: last season Ford returned to the full catwalk schedule with an ‘open’ show and plenty of photographs.

It’s a game Céline seems happy to play (the brand has eschewed all social media until now, while others have rushed in) so, for now, we’ll just have to wait and see to experience Phoebe Philo’s latest innovations.  

jt/cm