It’s been nearly two years since Hedi Slimane debuted his first handbag design for Celine on the arm of mega-superstar Lady Gaga. When the Celine 16 debuted it became one of the most highly talked about bags of the moment, garnering attention for what was to become Slimane’s new direction at Celine. Now, two years after its debut Slimane is back with a new version of his very first bag. Introducing: the Celine Soft 16.
For pre-fall 2020, Slimane has given his first design for Celine a bit of a make-under of sorts, pairing down the structured design and making a more relaxed version, which is ideal for the everyday. This debut is incredibly timely, as big bags, and soft totes are trending throughout designer’s pre-fall and fall collections. The Soft 16 is a new classic staple from the House, meant to be a more casual day bag and designed as a complement to the existing 16 line, which has been carried by the likes of Kaia Gerber, Emma Roberts, Angelina Jolie and more.
This style just launched on Celine.com, and is currently available in a large size either in smooth calfskin or grained calfskin. The Soft features the same iconic turn lock closure as the original, but the overall shape is much more relaxed with soft shoulder straps. Lined in luxurious leather, the bag is designed to offer functionality, and features an interior flat pocket as well as two internal compartments.
Overall dimensions are 15″W X 10″L X 7″D with an 11″ shoulder strap drop. Retail is $2,650 for the grained calfskin version and $2,950 in smooth calfskin. Discover more via Celine.
[images courtesy of Celine]
Hello to all! This is my first time posting so please bear with me. I purchased the Celine Soft 16 black grained in December 2021 from Saks. I had been watching it for awhile and finally caved. IMO the bag is very elegant and timeless, however it does lack that special spark. I use it as an everyday bag for work as well as casual outings etc and it has gone unnoticed and I have yet for anyone to say anything about it. It is very basic and and minimal. It has a divider in the middle and a good size flap pocket on the back side. It does hold a lot including my 12.9 iPad, an agenda, two phones, makeup bag, small notebook, hand cream, perfume and some other items and is not that heavy considering all I carry. It is comfortable to wear. The straps do not slip. One con I have noticed is if I try to open it on my shoulder some of my items have fallen out. It is not as convenient to open as initially thought once items are In. It is very durable, I do not baby this bag at all and it still looks absolutely perfect despite having been rained on, set on the floor in nurses’ stations, and been used for travel. The lock has not scratched at all and remains brilliant. It is clearly a very well made bag and the quality is superb. The leather is very soft and gives with wear.
Honestly, the bag is beautiful and elegant but I am not in love with it, especially for the price point and considering selling it to purchase something else but have not found anything that measures up the craftmanship of this bag.
Thank you for your honest review! It’s so challenging to find review for this bag so I truly appreciate this.
Can I know What’s the size of your Soft16 and if you find it heavy?
If you find it heavy if added a laptop*
Are they really selling so well that he created a soft version that mostly resembles his original design? I haven’t seen any in the wild. Also, he does little to disguise the fact that the design continues to resemble female genitalia. Does he really think women want to carry something like this?
This bag looks just like my Lambertson Truex.
i miss the days when philo was at celine- this stuff is just boring imo
The Slimane Celine bags never look as good in photographs as they do in person. But still this is super boring.
It’s maybe a bit Ralph Lauren-esque? Simple, but that brown color is stunning.
Pretty boring. If I was gonna go with the “soft” trend, I’d prefer the Givenchy Antigona Soft over this.
Me too. That Antigona is really nice.