Céline 1980s Skirt

Founded in 1945 by Céline Vipiana as a made-to-measure children’s shoe boutique, Céline evolved into one of Paris’s most influential luxury houses. Over the decades - from Vipiana’s early leather goods to Michael Kors’s polished pragmatism in the 1990s and Phoebe Philo’s era-defining reinvention in the 2000s - Céline has continually shaped the language of contemporary elegance. Today, under Hedi Slimane, its legacy endures as a symbol of quiet luxury and intellectual design, bridging heritage with a sharp, modern edge.

Céline Vipiana was in charge of the company until 1988 and focused on making luxury fashion wearable by designing practical, chic clothing for Parisian women. This skirt dates to the 1980s, due to the introduction of the logo-engraved flat rings across accessories at this time (pictured on bags from an 1980s campaign) but these logo chain details and an imitation chain motif were used by Michael Kors for Céline's Spring 2004 show. More recently, Creative Director Michael Rider brought back the logo-engraved rings for the Spring 2026 show and they quickly became a red carpet favourite.

This elegant Céline midi pencil skirt is fashioned from smooth coffee-brown wool, cut in a streamlined silhouette with a high slit that lends ease of movement to its tailored form. What sets it apart is the decorative chain detail at the waist: two substantial gold-tone metal rings engraved with “CÉLINE PARIS” anchor a gold cable chain that spans the front waistband - purely ornamental, it gives the illusion of a belt without functioning as one. The minimalist front conceals clever design; the chain draws the eye and adds a whisper of glamour, while the sleek pencil cut maintains a quietly refined attitude. The skirt is lined with tonal satin and fastens at the back with a hidden tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasp.

• 1990s Céline • Coffee-brown wool • High-waist • Midi-length • Slit • Logo-debossed gold-toned chain belt • Hidden tonal zip • Made in France

Fabric: 100% Wool
Size on Label: French 44, UK 16, US 12 (fits more like today's UK 12-14)
Stretch: No
Care: Dry clean only
Condition: Excellent

Length: 68 cm (27 inch)
Waist: 76 cm (30 inch)
Hips: 102 cm (40 inch)