Phoebe Philo to leave Céline

Céline creative director Phoebe Philo is to leave the LVMH-owned luxury brand after 10 years; her AW18 collection, to be shown in March, will be her last.

WWD has reported it has seen a statement issued by the British creative director to her staff, which reads: "Working with Céline has been an exceptional experience for me these last 10 years. I am grateful to have worked with an incredibly talented and committed team and I would like to thank everyone along the way who has been part of the collaborations and conversations…it’s been amazing.”

Speculation around Philo's future at Céline has been mounting for some time and reached a peak when Burberry president and chief creative officer Christopher Bailey announced his departure from Burberry this autumn. Former Céline CEO Marco Gobbetti had joined Burberry as CEO earlier this year and it was believed he wanted to bring Philo with him, however it is understood Philo will not be heading to another fashion house in the near future.

Her successor at Céline is being sought and in the meantime the collections will be designed by the team at the Parisian house.

Considered to be one of the most influential designers working today, Philo began her career in fashion as right-hand woman to Stella McCartney at Chloé and took over the house when McCartney left to start her own label in 2001. She subsequently took some time out of her career to begin a family before taking up the role at Céline for which she has gained a strong following and critical claim for her impeccable minimalist and modern aesthetic.