Bubble Trouble

In her usual fashion, Phoebe Philo thought outside the box when it came to designing Céline’s SS18 offering, or rather, she thought within her own bubble. Filling a gymnasium with a white inflatable tent, when guests entered the peculiar set – dreamed up by Philo and architect Smiljan Radic – they too were invited to see through the designer’s mind’s eye. A temporary edifice emblematic of her extraordinary ability to make the most unlikely designs desirable (chevron leather trousers, who’d have thought?), the light and airy tent exuded the spirit of Phoebe and her collection. Effervescent yet somehow seemingly effortless, the synergy between designer, designs and set was impeccable.

The Big Slouch

Those who prioritise comfort over artistic flare will be pleased to see that Philo’s collection provides plenty of options that won’t require the sacrifice of either. Ballooning ponchos will serve as the perfect disguise for your post-brunch food baby, while oversized blouses, shirts and blazers cultivate vintage vibes without feeling gimmicky. Proving that tight isn’t always right, Phoebe’s masterful tailoring ensures that slouchier pieces never read as frumpy, with small, unexpected details, such as peekaboo purple fishnet, working to maintain the youthful vigour of the collection in a way that simply feels natural.

Star Pieces

Evening dresses adorned with feathers and a black leather trench coat exquisitely embellished with piercing blue beading undoubtedly stole the show, standing out within a collection that, for the most part, was incredibly wearable. The alluring swish of feathers dripping from a bodycon gown was a stark contrast to the leather-laden looks that came before it, but its abstract print and colour scheme affirmed its place in the collection. Bringing elegant eveningwear to the collection without forfeiting its cohesive integrity, Philo’s feathery frocks are the epitome of cool girl glamour.