PARIS, Oct 6, 2009 / FW/ — It is one of those fashion moments that you are 99% sure that it is going to be a good collection; after all, the designer is someone we already know, Phoebe Philo. But, she has been away for 3 years, for a very personal reason – she wanted to raise a family.

Celine Spring 2010

So, there was the 1% that was nagging at you; you want it to be so good, you’ve always like her… her stint at Celine should not be different from her stint Chloe. Then the first exit came out, a black shift dress with a black leather trim; then the second one came out, a black leather tunic paired with a sand colored mini, followed by a white tunic in linen that is so long that the mini A-line skirt looks like an apron on top of it.

You breathe a sigh of relief because it seemed Phoebe Philo was never gone. She’s on top of her game; she’s in control. And her audience agrees.

They love the clean lines, the no-nonsense designs that are almost minimalist. Even the sleeveless trench coat, which is usually classified as a staple was covetable.

Phoebe Philo’s message is clear; she’s there to stay and she is re-focusing Celine as she emphasized the clothing and the leather accessories that made the house famous might be secondary right now, but not forgotten.

[MARGUERITE SEBASTIEN]