At a time where subtle or even nondescript design elements have dominated the fashion landscape, few icons have proven to be timeless staples that have seemingly broken through trend-specific narratives. The Celine Triomphe is one that still remains a classic, traipsing the line between quiet luxury and brash logomania.
If there’s anything remotely loud about any Celine Triomphe model, it’s the distinctive Triomphe logo. The design comes straight from its Parisian landmark namesake: the Arc de Triomphe located at Place de Charles de Gaulle (formerly known as Place de L’Étoile). It was here that Celine founder, Céline Vipiana, was taken by the chain links surrounding the monument, each resembling two mirrored Cs. It quickly became one of the brand’s signifiers and was eventually revived by current creative, artistic and image director Hedi Slimane in 2018.
Instantly recognisable
To those in-the-know, the Triomphe logo is a mark of Celine’s heritage and craftsmanship. There’s a sense of regality to the emblem that is aesthetically tied to the kind of quintessential Parisian chic that Slimane’s Celine has grown to be known for.
The Celine Triomphe series embodies a timeless modernity—the Triomphe logo reflecting the brand’s heritage juxtaposed with the sleek, clean lines of the bags and accessories that it inhabits. The latter echoes Slimane’s favoured offerings of sharp tailoring, and when combined together with a Celine Triomphe bag, the entire look becomes more refined and contemporary.
It’s not exactly quiet, but it doesn’t shout out loud either.
A genderless appeal
As South Korean actor Park Bo Gum stylishly displays, the Celine Triomphe is not only restricted to the ladies. Its sleek and generally boxy silhouette means that it’s quite a gender-neutral silhouette. The clean lines are architectural—echoing its original reference—and the adjustable strap allows for a crossbody carry that instantly converts it into somewhat of a familiar messenger bag territory.
And of course, there’s plenty of interior space no matter the size. The Celine Triomphe’s gusseted construction gives the illusion of a rather compact design but in actuality, holds more than expected.
Versatility in range
If there’s any doubt of the Celine Triomphe’s appeal, it has grown to become an indispensable design in the brand’s repertoire. The Celine Triomphe is available in a range of styles that still retains its chic allure.
The Triomphe logo remains centrestage as the hardware buckle in silhouettes that range from the Chain Triomphe to the Triomphe Besace. Seasonal interpretations are also aplenty with the latest summer 2023 offering include wicker as well as sequins.
