In 1945, Céline Vipiana founded a new contemporary luxury brand in Paris, Céline. The house of Céline quickly established itself as a brand with a highly innovative expertise in leather goods, and soon launched ready to wear for a strong, chic Parisian woman. In September 2008 Phoebe Philo joined Céline as Creative Director and presented her first collection for the house in June 2009. She won British Designer of the Year Award in 2010, and in June 2011 Phoebe Philo was awarded the prestigious CFDA Award for International Designer of the Year. Phoebe Philo has given Céline a unique and recognisable identity, and the company continues to enjoy exceptional success.