It was the fashion drop of the year. Yesterday, designer Phoebe Philo dropped her highly anticipated debut collection to much buzz and fanfare. The assortment—called “confident and uncompromising” by Vogue’s Sarah Mower—played up Philo’s stealthy-chic aesthetic, and nodded back to some of the signatures that she helped define while at the helm of Celine (from 2008 to 2017). There were luxurious leather bags, structured outerwear and tops, playful jewelry, and of course, some delicious square-toe shoes.
As the collection began circulating online, most fashion fans approved of said sleek, modern pieces. Many also discussed the jaw-dropping prices. Philo’s new oversized XL Cabas tote bag, for one, goes for $8,500, while the hand-combed embroidered coat didn’t even have a price listed. Even so, that didn’t stop devoted Philophiles from investing in certain wardrobe staples: In fact, many of the items on Philo’s website are now completely sold out.
However, plenty of lucky shoppers were able to secure the bag (literally), and Vogue was instantly intrigued about why these pieces clearly resonated so much. So, below, we sought out eight Philophiles to learn more about what they thought of the drop, and what they were and weren’t able to shop.
Rickie De Sole — Women’s fashion director, Nordstrom
I bought these pumps and glad I did, as they’re now sold out! I was motivated to get these mostly by the feeling that I just had to buy something from Phoebe’s first collection! I still love and wear so many of my Phoebe-for-Celine shoes, and was excited to get a new iteration of them after so long. The unexpected toe shape makes them unlike anything else I own, and they look like they’ll pair well with the many trousers in my wardrobe. I am tracking the delivery closely!
Jenna Lyons — Real Housewife and founder of LoveSeen
[I didn’t get anything]. I am traumatized and have a support group chat. I just wanted to get the white jeans, a shirt, and maybe some leather. And my dreams were dashed.
Noora Raj Brown — EVP of brand, Goop
I was in such a state of panic (my text messages were all filled with “my bag is a blank screen” or “the site is crashing and I need the mushroom suit”) that I placed three different orders in fear I’d never be able to check out again. I bought the heeled loafer in brown, which felt (sort of?) practical, the silver sphere necklace, the classic black square-toe pump, and the drop jeans. I feel like silver is having a comeback and the long necklace and sphere, with its barely there etching, gave it a little punk twist. The classic black pumps with elongated toe reminded me of an early Philo style that I fell in love with years ago. And, as a friend I saw later for drinks said, “Obviously, they know we need elevated basics even more expensive than The Row.”
