Celine by Hedi Slimane Matelassé Monochrome bag, $5,610, celine.com. Photography by Jordan Turner. In 1945, Céline Vipiana’s namesake label was the go-to in Paris for made-to-measure children’s footwear. Today, we know Celine for its sophisticated clothing that remains wearable throughout the decades. For the fashion house’s autumn 2022 and men’s spring 2023 runway shows, the artistic director Hedi Slimane produced exactly what we have come to expect from the label: modern essentials refined with the Celine touch. The Matelassé Monochrome bag is the label’s new hero accessory and it’s the first handbag to feature the Celine name in bold metallic branding.
It follows in the wake of the Cabas, Luggage and Triomphe bags, which are adorned with embroidered, embossed or hardware logos. A strong design married with soft texture, the Matelassé Monochrome plays with contrast, pairing an oversize-chain shoulder strap with a black or ecru goatskin construction and rounded edges. The name references the leather-stitching technique, which was popular during the 18th century in France’s oldest city, Marseilles, and creates the effect of a plush, hand-stitched quilt without the need for interior padding. Slimane’s Celine has been one filled with storytelling. Through his exploration of subcultures and youthful, punk-inflected aesthetic, the designer has introduced the brand to a new generation of fashion aficionados. It’s a story that is not without controversy, but it is one that goes deeper than Celine has ever gone before.
