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Fashion legend Phoebe Philo FINALLY debuts brand to mixed reviews

  • The famed Chloé and Celine alum launched her much-anticipated collection
  • Fans are going wild over the ultra-luxurious items despite the sky-high prices
  • Fashion lovers joked about going into debt to be able to afford her handbags 

The much-anticipated Phoebe Philo collection has finally arrived and fans have mixed feelings about the pricey designer items. 

The Chloé and Celine alum’s fans went wild when news broke that she was creating her own line and signed up for email alerts about the brand, despite no details about what to expect. 

This week, the London-based fashion icon, 50, launched the eponymous collection that’s unsurprisingly the pinnacle of quiet luxury and stealth wealth, chock full of oversized leather handbags reminiscent of her Celine days, funky gold necklaces, glittering dresses and impressive outerwear. 

However, now that the collection (and its sky high prices) is live as of October 30, Phoebe enthusiasts are experiencing a bit of sticker shock over the items, including a $19,000 sequined dress and an enormous black leather tote that’s proving controversial, as it costs a whopping $8,500. 

This elaborate, embroidered coat does not have its price listed but is retailing for $25,000

Fans went wilder over the oversized black leather tote, which is retailing for $8,500

Phoebe Philo's fans were anticipating her triumphant return and signed up in droves for her email list, despite not knowing what her new brand would sell

Many fashion fans compared the offerings to the Olsen twins' popular line The Row

While Phoebe is a fashion legend, fans were still surprised by her launching her debut collection with prices nearing $20,000

Despite the mixed response and the merchandise ranging from $750 for a pair of sunglasses to $25,000 for a shearling jacket, almost half sold out overnight, including a double-sided scarf for $2,600, glam black sunglasses for $450, the extra large suede tote in toffee for $8,200 and a leather jacket with an oversized detachable scarf for $8,900. 

On X, formerly known as Twitter, fans were quick to voice their opinion about the wild prices. However, that didn’t mean they weren’t shopping, with multiple pieces selling out almost immediately. 

The exorbitantly high prices were a point of contention on social media, with fashionistas claiming they were ready to go into debt for the luxury goods. 

On Twitter, one consumer trends expert reflected, ‘Hate to say it but Phoebe Philo is giving khy (Kylie Jenner’s new clothing line) vibes,’ comparing the buzzy collection to the Kardashians star’s recently announced pleather brand, which has been much-maligned for its garbage bag-like designs. 

Others thought it looked like a Celine reboot, as the designer was famously the creative director of the luxury fashion house from 2008 to 2017. 

Some folks on Twitter were ready to go into debt if it meant investing in the sharp clothing, with one joking: ‘If I go into major credit card debt buying a Phoebe Philo trench coat? What are you gonna do about it.’ 

Another creator quipped: ‘Phoebe Philo didn’t stop at “Open your purse!” She said, “Sell your house, rob a bank, and do some credit card fraud too!”‘

One fashionista on Twitter revealed, ‘Phoebe Philo “MUM” necklaces are already sold out,’ to which another user responded: ‘A lot of Mum’s (sic) out there.’ 

On Twitter, a consumer trends expert thought the collection looked like Kylie Jenner's recent foray into the fashion world, where she experiments with faux leather

Phoebe's supporters joked about going into debt in an effort to afford her new collection

On Twitter, some people were simply confused by the pieces, with one comparison likening an item to a ‘human toilet brush.’

Another fashion fan fumed: ‘Waited all this time and this is what we get? Leggings? Sesame street character pants?! No ma’am.’

An equally confused style devotee asked, ‘First off all why is the pricing way too high?’ declaring: ‘We know you but the brand is not even near to be established anywhere to be selling at this price point.’

They added: ‘My girl there’s some other options in the market.’

The surprise at the price tag was echoed all across the internet, with a commentator asking if she was “deada** with the prices on her website.’ 

The ludicrously capacious leather tote was another point of contention, with someone criticizing: ‘I knew Phoebe Philo’s prices were going to be quite exorbitant, but she’s absolutely lost her mind pricing a basic leather tote at 9k lmao,’ before continuing: ‘She said, “Y’all think The Row is expensive? Watch this!”‘ 

Another appalled Twitter user agreed: ‘This Phoebe Philo shopper bag priced at €6800 lmao girl chill.’ 

The mixed response was much the same on Instagram, where some rejoiced their ‘queen’ was back as others threw shade, calling it an ‘average debut tbh,’ ‘strictly for the one percent’ and ‘ultra commercial.’

Despite half of the collection selling out, the oversized shopper bag is still available.