IMAGE: CELINE

What is it about the Triomphe that makes it an instant icon of this luxury fashion house? Well, it’s all thanks to the emblematic clasp (previously referred to as the Blazon Chaîne) that sits right in front, a logo dating back to 1973 when Céline Vipiana (Maison’s founder and designer) took inspiration from Paris’ famous Arc de Triomphe. It wasn’t shaped after the monument per se, but rather inspired by the motifs found on the chain links surrounding the Arc de Triomphe that you’ll find there till this very day.

Today, Hedi Slimane has brought the logo back (it was used liberally till the brand saw a change in its creative head in 2008), and has aptly named it the Triomphe. It can be found on jewellery, leather goods (bags and SLGs both), RTW and shoes, as well as an entire line dedicated to the monogram, named Triomphe Canvas. However, nothing comes quite as close as the original Triomphe introduced back in 2018, one that has since expanded to include contemporary fabrics like textile, pieces that make for a great alternative if you aren’t exactly a fan of the versions that come in full leather.

IMAGE: CELINE

The Medium Triomphe comes in 3 versions, starting with the plain colours like Khaki and White, both of which are paired with natural calfskin trimmings. Celine calls them ‘textile’, but you can also refer to them as cotton canvas if you like. The material is less prone to scratches and is resistant to the occasional water spills, but do be careful of dye transfer, so you might want to avoid pairing the bag with your denim jacket or jeans, for example. Speaking of denim, the third option comes in a navy jacquard fabric. Part of the latest Summer 2020 drop that has recently arrived in stores, it features the Chaîne Triomphe motif running across the body, front and back.

The combination of Chaîne Triomphe jacquard fabric, natural calfskin leather, and the unmistakable gold-tone Triomphe metallic closure all seem to work really well together, making for the perfect summer handbag this season. All 3 designs are available in the Medium size (which measures 22.5 cm by 16.5 cm, if you need a refresher) and priced at SGD4500 each. The version in White textile is also available in the Teen size, priced slightly lower at SGD3950. And if you’re planning on heading down to the boutiques to take a look, you might want to visit Celine’s new duplex flagship store at Marina Bay Sands, which now features two storeys of Hedi goodness that includes pieces for the boys as well.

IMAGES: CELINE