Trouble at Celine?

(NEW YORK) Merely hours after the news that Peter Som has cancelled his Fall 2009 runway show due to a split with Creative Design Studios, The Daily has learned that another highly-regarded designer has encountered trouble in paradise: Phoebe Philo. The designer, who earned star status during a 5-year run at Chloe, signed on to replace Ivana Omazic as creative director at Celine in September 2008. Philo is rumored to be clashing with LVMH management--namely the brand's new CEO, Marco Gobbetti, who moved from Givenchy to Celine in October alongside Philo.

Even though Celine's operations are based in Paris, LVMH set up a design studio for Philo in London, enabling her to spend time with her young children. (When Philo resigned from Chloe in 2006, she cited the desire to focus on her family.) Philo was set to unveil her first collection this March in Paris with a formal presentation, and her runway debut was slated for October 2009. Editorial exclusives--such as a feature in the March issue of Vogue--had already been booked as of December 2008. However, it now appears that the highly-anticipated March presentation is in question. "Phoebe's debut show will be in October, as has always been planned and we are as excited as ever for Celine's partnership with Phoebe Philo," said a spokesperson. One reliable industry source informed The Daily that a "team" is now working on the collection. 
ASHLEY BAKER