"PhoebePhilo.com has officially launched, much to the delight of fashion enthusiasts, especially the devoted Philophiles who have been loyal followers of the esteemed British designer since her transformative stints at Chloé (2001-2006) and Celine (2008-2017). With her refined aesthetic and understated elegance, Philo's fashion influence extends far and wide. Not only is she revered within the industry (having been named the CFDAs Designer of the Year in 2011 and receiving an Officer of the Order of the British Empire from Prince Charles in 2014 for her impact on fashion), but her work has also inspired countless imitations in the fast-fashion world, a fact she finds both flattering and exciting."
The 150-piece 'responsible' collection has been produced in amounts "notably less than anticipated want" says a press statement.
Today, subscribers to Phoebe Philo's mailing list were finally informed about the launch of the collection named "A1". The three month wait was not accompanied by any advertisements, campaigns, or fashion shows. Along with the release of the 150-piece collection, Philo shared her mission statement: "In our commitment to address the overall environmental impact, we are focusing on issues related to overconsumption, waste, and the fashion supply chain," stated a press release. "Our objective is to create a product that represents durability. The business model of Phoebe Philo aims to establish a responsible balance between production and demand. This entails producing significantly less than the expected demand."
The jacket collection is priced between $4,000 and $16,500, making it unlikely to sell out immediately. Some social media users express disappointment at the high price. Philo has never partnered with a high street brand, a common practice in today's fashion industry. These are luxurious investment pieces, offering timeless classics that will never go out of style, even if it takes years to save up for them. This is the story of Gaby Aghion, the founder of Chloé, and her revolution in ready-to-wear fashion.
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Despite offering timeless wardrobe essentials, Philos' latest collection is far from boring. Alongside the reliable staples, there are surprising statement pieces that will make you reconsider everything (after all, this is the same designer who introduced fur-lined Birkenstocks). Impeccably tailored trousers adorned with intricate hand-combed embroidery give the illusion of fur or delicate feathers. Textured tassels make another appearance in a scarlet red high-neck bias-cut asymmetrical mini dress, resembling exotic animal hide and exuding a chic Wilma Flintstone vibe. Adding to the allure, a flat, weighted gold necklace features an infinite repetition of the word "Mum."
The collection launched today is just the beginning, with additional pieces planned for release over the next few months to complete the full collection. The second part of the collection, known as "A2," is scheduled to debut in Spring 2024. It remains to be seen if this anticipated release will generate as much excitement as its predecessor.