STYLE Edit: Lady Gaga and Angelina Jolie love the Celine 16 bag – now Hedi Slimane has designed a new, strappy twist on his trademark accessory

Oct 8, 2020

Add the new strap and the demure Celine 16 in red takes on a more freewheeling character. Photo: Celine

Designed on creative director Hedi Slimane’s first day at Celine, the bag’s 2020 update is available from November and comes in small, medium and large sizes; in an array of colours and exotic leathers; and now with a strap too

There is nothing in the world as elegant as a Parisian fashionista. Effortless and chic, these cinematic souls carry themselves in a way that makes it seem that clothes and accessories were made specifically for them.

What makes these intuitive apparel choices seem so special? Is it the cut and fit of the clothing? Is it in the way the outfits are put together, or the colour palettes that are chosen?

It has been argued through the years that one of the things that makes Paris fashion so celebrated is the intentionality of the fashion pieces that are worn. Each distinct item is to be admired, chosen and worn so as to accentuate its companions, and also to stand alone as an iconic piece in its own right.

The Celine 16 handbag is a brand classic, beloved of celebs and freshly updated to stay on trend. Photo: Celine

Take the simple handbag, for example. More than just a functional carry-all, it has developed a cultlike following with millions of disciples around the world. It holds its own in any ensemble, at times being more distinctive than the clothes behind it. Even the way that it’s carried changes the line of an outfit.

Enter the Celine 16. Brainchild of Celine creative director Hedi Slimane, the 16 was designed on his very first day at the brand, in early 2018. Born in the City of Lights, Hedi based his design on the very distinct, Parisian way of wearing a bag. The name itself refers to the Hôtel Colbert at 16, Rue Vivienne, located in the heart of the 2nd arrondissement – the address of Celine’s Paris headquarters.

Celine 16 does street chic when paired with vintage denim. Photo: Celine

A celebrity favourite, the bag has been seen on the arms of stars in every major city since its launch, with Reese Witherspoon, Angelina Jolie, Kaia Gerber and Lady Gaga among just the more recent members of the fan club. In a throwback to some of the brand’s previous classic models, Celine has recalled details such as the cropped flap, while the deep drop of the handle allows you to nestle the purse elegantly in the crook of your arm.