The fashion world mourned the loss of Phoebe Philo when she stepped down as creative director of Chloe four years ago in order to spend more time with her young family. After all, this was the woman who created the Paddington, Edith, Silverado and Betty bags and catapulted Chloe to the forefront of designer fashion.

Well, now she’s back and she has proven her designer genius once again. Phoebe Philo was hired as the creative director of Celine in September of 2008, but just made her runway debut during the Spring 2010 runway shows in October.

It was a crisp and clean collection of leather, cottons and linens with the unmistakable no-fuss design aesthetic of Philo. The palate was mostly neutrals, with a splash of lapis in the form of two gorgeously draped dresses and the most incredible shade of teal in the form of a thigh-baring leather mini skirt.  Wedge sandals, impeccably tailored high-waist, wide-leg trousers and leather tees and skirts stomped down the runway accompanied by lace-up tunics and dresses, safari and military-inspired jackets and second-skin beige tees.

The looks were extremely wearable, projecting a kind of “contemporary minimalism” – to use the words of Philo herself. They exuded – in my mind – an “I-roll-out-of-bed-looking-this-good” sensibility. And to be honest, isn’t that what we are all striving for?

So, here’s to being fashionable without trying too hard and here’s to the return of Phoebe Philo! Phoebe, we’re so glad to have you back!

~Marisa, Director of Styling, Second Time Around