Phoebe Philo’s designs at Celine are of almost immortal status. Her refined minimalism captured a new kind of sophisticated woman and is still one of the most revered—and referenced—designer aesthetics to this day. That her decade long-tenure still holds so much cultural currency is both a testament to her singular ability and the ongoing success of her then-design team. Those she led behind the scenes have subsequently spread throughout the industry, with many landing the top jobs at other major houses, including Chanel, Burberry, and now Courrèges, making for quite the impressive family tree. So where are Philo’s “Old Céline” protégés now? Here’s a non-completist list.
Drew Henry, Courrèges
Drew Henry is the latest of Philo’s mentees to take the helm at a major brand. The 2014 Central Saint Martins graduate joined Celine first as an intern and then full-time after graduation. In 2020, Henry rejoined Philo at her eponymous label before joining Burberry in 2023 as a senior design director underneath another fellow Philo-ite, Daniel Lee.
Nina Christen, Christen and Dior
To this day, some of “Old Céline’s” most covetable items are still the accessories—among them, the soft molded heels, wedges, and furry slides. Nina Christen cut her teeth working as a shoe designer under Philo alongside Burberry’s now-creative director Daniel Lee, whom she then followed to Bottega Veneta. Christen then moved onto Loewe, where she was responsible for the iconic balloon heels, and has since joined Jonathan Anderson at Dior as the design director of shoes. In 2025, she also launched an eponymous footwear line.
Daniel Lee, Burberry
Daniel Lee originally joined Philo’s design team at Celine in 2012, where he was quickly promoted to design director, a position that he held until his departure for Bottega Veneta in 2018. Following a three-year stint at the Italian house, where he was succeeded by yet another Philo-era Celine protégé Matthieu Blazy, Lee went on to assume the top job at Burberry in 2022.
