Some designers are forgotten easily once they fade from fashion glory. A lucky few, however, find a way to reinvent themselves and create a loyal following.
That’s what happened to Phoebe Philo. And now, she’s going from strength to strength with her new line of sunglasses.
But if you’re still not sure who she is, here’s the backstory on her rise to the realm of it-girls and it-brands.
At-a-Glance Summary
Designer Phoebe Philo is growing in popularity among celebrities and fashion lovers. This post discusses why she’s so big, what her brand’s signature styles are, and whether her new sunglasses line will rival other major designers’ shades.
| Key Fact | Details |
| Products reviewed | 2 pairs of Phoebe Philo sunglasses |
| Brands featured | Phoebe Philo |
| Styles covered | Cat-eye and mask-shaped |
| Best for | Making a statement |
| Frame materials | Acetate |
| Price range | $520-$750 |
From Chloé to Phoebe
Phoebe Philo got her start at Chloé in 1997, working as an assistant to Stella McCartney. When Stella left the fashion house in 2001, Phoebe stepped into the role of creative director.
She was young, fresh, and had something to say with her designs. That was the start of her rise to fashion fame.
After a few years at Chloé, she quit to spend more time with her new family. But then, in 2008, she took up a job as the new creative director at Celine. She quickly took the brand from struggling to massive sales.
That’s when she was cemented as one of the most respected designers in the industry. Some of her most famous designs at Chloé and Celine were handbags. So, she was really involved with the growth of bags as fashion must-haves and status symbols.
Phoebephiles: The Cult of Phoebe Philo’s Style
Some people have the Midas touch, and Phoebe is one of them. She took struggling or half-forgotten brands and turned them into big sellers.
How? Well, her talent is in understanding what women want. Her shapes, fabrics, and cuts from dresses to blazers were minimalist but flattering. Above all, they were wearable.
Have you ever looked at fashion runways and gasped, thinking, “Who on earth would wear that?” You’re not alone.
Sometimes it feels like (women’s) fashion is more about the shock factor than it is about wearability.
That’s why Phoebe is such a big deal, to the point of having her own fashion cult: the Phoebephiles.
They follow her work from brand to brand, and now, they’re buying up her own brand, Phoebe Philo. She launched it in 2023 to overwhelming success. Within 24 hours of launching her first collection online, most of the items were sold out.
That’s impressive considering the pieces included dresses for over $20,000 and a ‘Mum’ necklace for $6,000. Yes, people are paying that much to show their mothers appreciation.
Celebrity Followers Who Can’t Get Enough
Kendall Jenner is probably the poster-girl for Phoebe Philo. The member of the famous family actually out-fashions her sisters (most of the time) by wearing sleek, clean, and minimalist outfits.
For example, she’s been spotted on the streets and on red carpets in the brand’s blazers, jackets, and pants.
Actress Jennifer Lawrence is another Phoebephile who loves the crisp look. Margot Robbie (or Barbie as we now think of her) is another celebrity who got her hands on a Phoebe Philo printed dress.
You’re Not a Brand Until You Have a Sunglasses Line
Following in the footsteps of other major designer brands, Phoebe Philo has a sunglasses line.
It’s small, limited, and not exactly easy on the wallet. But, for Phoebephiles, it’s all a part of the brand’s appeal.
Top Picks
The ‘Peak Sunglasses’ are a good pick if you’re just entering the world of Phoebe but aren’t quite ready to join the club. They’re sharp and edgy, yet still wearable for a quick coffee date with friends.
If you’re a brave fashion lover who will try anything (and everything) at least once, opt for the ‘Half Bombe’ Phoebe Philo Sunglasses. They’ve got that bug-eye thing going on, which has been making the rounds among celebrities and influencers.
FAQs
Why is Phoebe Philo so popular?
The British designer rose through the fashion ranks quickly because of her sharp, wearable, minimalist collections. She was one of the first ones to cross over ‘quiet luxury’ and edgy high-fashion. People loved her stuff, so she kept getting creative director jobs at major fashion houses, including Chloé and Celine.
Is Phoebe Philo a luxury brand?
Yes, it is. (Have you seen the price tags?) The Phoebe Philo brand is all about wearable luxury. It’s stylish, made from high-end materials, and worn by the world’s fashionable and wealthy.
Are Phoebe Philo sunglasses worth it?
It depends on whether you love the brand; basically, are you a Phoebephile? If you love her work, the Phoebe Philo sunglasses are a more affordable, easier entry point. But if you’re just looking for a pair of cool designer frames, there are plenty of more affordable and popular options.
For example, these Balenciaga sunglasses are similar to the Phoebe Philo oversized shields. These Saint Laurent sunglasses have a close resemblance to the Phoebe Philo cat-eyes.
TL;DR
- British designer Phoebe Philo got her start designing at the French luxury house Chloé in the late ’90s and early 2000s. She quickly transformed the brand into an it-girl obsession.
- She left within a few years to spend more time with her family. Then, in 2008, she started working at Celine. Again, she boosted sales with minimalist, sleek, and feminine collections.
- Her work made her a fashion icon with her very own cult following of celebrities and fashion lovers called ‘Phoebephiles.’
- In 2023, she started her own label called… you guessed it, Phoebe Philo. Within hours, most of the products sold out because of her core fan base, who had waited years for a collection.
- Now, you can get a pair of Phoebe Philo sunglasses, which are a fraction of the cost of other items. They come with that sharp, cool-girl edge.
