Say the words Celine, Phoebe Philo or Hedi Slimane around any handbag aficionado and you’re likely to open up a gigantic can of worms. It’s no secret that Hedi Slimane’s first collection for Celine was not well received amongst fashion lovers. Maybe it’s because, like most people, fashion folk aren’t keen on big change, or maybe it’s because the impact that Phoebe Philo left on Celine and the fashion industry as a whole was nothing short of legendary. Regardless of the reason, in a resistance unlike any other, Celine fans started a boycott of sorts, and the #OldCeline hashtag took on a life of its own.
Little by little, news of what Celine would look like under the creative direction of Slimane trickled out, and to say you guys weren’t thrilled is putting it lightly. Recently I was making my usual internet rounds when it dawned on me that I hadn’t perused the Celine website in quite a while. My mantra towards Celine since Slimane was appointed has sort of been a “nothing to see here” or “move along” kind of mood, but suddenly a bag stopped me in my tracks. I’m sorry to admit this (actually I’m not all that sorry, I don’t mind liking things that other people don’t), but I think I kind of like a #NewCeline bag. Ok, let me be honest I do like a Celine by Hedi Slimane design.
It’s called the Small Besace 16 Bag, and something about it caught my eye. While I wasn’t particularity a fan of the 16 bag at first, this cross body version is actually sort of, dare I say, cute? I was drawn to the sleek hardware on the 16 bag and though the shape was too large and structured for my taste there was something about the lines of it that I could appreciate. Shrunken down into a mini cross body version has me thinking that I could actually see myself wearing it. I like the rounded shape and though it’s tiny, the size is no smaller than any of the other bags I use. The one downside is that it is incredibly pricey for a teeny-tiny bag. The natural calfskin version featured above will set you back $2,650 via Celine, while the satinated calfskin versions below retail for $2,450. I like this bag best in black. I think it’s super chic and incredibly sleek looking. I picture this with booties, light wash denim and a black leather jacket. What are your thoughts on the Celine Small Besace 16 Bag?
very beautiful but a bit pricey
Totally agree!
Great bag. Looks elegant and sophisticated.
I think the satchel version of this bag which I saw on this forum being carried by Gaga is as dull as dirt but this bag, this one I really like.
I think the 16 line is way overpriced. Hedi really thinks his designs are groundbreaking and he’s gods gift to whatever house he goes to. It’s annoying. His arrogance shows.
I don’t care for his bags either.
There’s a huge price difference on Celiné between the USA and Europe. This bag retails in Italy for $1900. After VAT refund comes down to about $1700. If anyone is going to Europe (or has a friend who’s going), best to pick it up there. Personally I wouldn’t buy it at any price!
You can get a Chloè bag with a similar vibe for way less.
Will you be writing features for this blog?
Hopefully!
Looks like a Chloe bag without the frills. Not worth the price IMO although I do think it looks nice.
I don’t think it looks like a Chloe bag, it’s much more structure and I feel like it has a very different look.
I thought it looked like a Chloe bag too.
This one to be exact: https://images.prod.meredith.com/product/9844a782157f2cfaf9a7ebc9b1da992c/1512453041359/l/see-by-chloe-hana-small-suede-and-leather-crossbody
Yep, I can see that!
Meh….
I completely agree, this sums up my feelings a hundred percent.
Kinda liked the 16, and would very much like to have this. But not at that price….
Ho. Hum.
It’s the best design of NewCeline I’ve seen yet but for that price?! It doesn’t even look like it can fit nearly as much as the Nano!
I actually kinda like it. But I don’t like it that much for the price…. LOL
I like both versions of the 16 bag! The price is over the top, though.
(Just as a note, it’s spelled “perused”, not “paroozed”. Comes from middle English, where it meant to use up, then shifted to mean “read carefully”, and now means more like “read casually”. It’s interesting how much words change over time.)
Ah, I suspected urban diction but wasn’t certain until I looked it up. I couldn’t image a writer not knowing the difference or, rather, the correct spelling but hers was intentional.
I’m not that familiar with urban diction (I’m not American) so I completely missed that!
It was intentional! However I did amend to avoid any confusion 🙂
Oh right! Sorry, I’m not American and that’s not a variation I’m familiar with.
I like it, but a bit expensive for the size of it. I do love it in black and in grey.
I’m not a fan of the flap design. Once a friend mentioned that the 16 is the purse equivalent of a Georgia O’Keeffe painting…..I can’t unsee it. Also, crossbodies and this price point don’t mix.
I love her art, but are you referring to the price of her art vs. this bag?
The insinuations of her art. The implied content of what her art was really about, if you will. (She says trying to be delicate)
Aww, yes! I remember it all now from my Art History class in college. You brought it all back in the most delicate way! 🙂
This bag has the same look as the 16, which is what I don’t like about it. IDK if Hedi is a closet misogynist, but the design of the 16 and this bag look like female genitalia. If you disagree just look closer. I would never carry these bags for that reason.
It really does.
I took another look and saw what you are referring to and you are right! OMG!
I’ve tried it on in stores and it is way too small. Very little can fit inside– a cardholder and some small essentials.
Bummer! It does look tiny.
No from me. Its just look like a refined ZARA bag.
LOL
Can’t decide whether I like the 16 crossbody bag— reminds of an old coach bag circa 1990s. Though the grey color is sharp
Coach Saddle Bag was my initial thought . . . and I love the Coach Saddle 🙂
The flap reminds me of underwear.
Yess, I was wondering what it was about this bag and you said it!!!
Now, I can’t unsee it. Tidy whities!
Made me chuckle!!
The design is like the 16, but in a smaller/altered style. Nothing original with this bag. It’s interesting that so many ppl “love” it.
I’m totally with you. I thought I’m the only weirdo here.
I really don’t like this, and that is not because I don’t care for Hedi. I honestly think the original bondage-grandma bag, no I mean the 16 bag, is better.
While I do like the seventies vibe this bag has, high prices have to be earned. You can’t slap a high price on something just because it says Celine. In a world where you get get a Mansur Gavriel bucket bag, a Gucci soho disco bag and a Celine Trio for under 1200$, customers know what their products are worth and won’t pay outlandish prices for a seasonal item.
I liked the trotteur better. Shame they didn’t keep that style.
It’s ok, nice enough, reminiscent of a classic Coach bag, back when Coach actually made classics (and made them in the U.S. as well). But someone said the front of the bag looks like someone’s butt with the closure looking like a thong. Hmmm….
I like the design but not the price tag. This bag should be in the 1500-1700 range. Good luck Hedi Slimane. I think Hedi will slowly be liked by Celine fans. Just like he brought some changes in the Saint Laurent company that was loved by the fans, he will eventually be able to win back the hearts of Celine lovers, and that’s my hunch.