History of the Celine Cabas Tote
Since its inception in the 1940s, Celine has been synonymous with style, simplicity and quality. Founded by Céline Vipiana as a made-to-measure children’s shoe company, it has since become one of the most respected names in the luxury accessory industry. In 2008, Phoebe Philo took the helm at Celine as the House’s creative director. During her tenure, Philo revitalized the brand by freshening and modernizing its style. One of her most notable contributions was the release of the Cabas tote.
Its earliest incarnation was a North/South bag featuring few external embellishments. In the years following the handbag’s release, Celine added several size and shape variations, making the Cabas collections one of Celine’s most extensive and versatile to date.
Materials and Craftsmanship of the Celine Cabas Tote
The Cabas handbags are one of the brand's most widely reimagined series, with most still available at retailers. When beginning your Cabas search, you might want to look at the small and medium totes. This design reflects Philo’s original vision with its North/South orientation and timeless minimalism. This bag features two handles and an adjustable shoulder strap, which means you can wear it comfortably on your arm or as a crossbody. The Celine logo is embossed delicately on the bag’s front, just between the handle stitching. The bag includes a single, unlined main compartment with a single zipped interior pocket. Celine intentionally released this beautifully pared-down design among a market flooded with bags featuring flashy iconography.
Philo also introduced a horizontal—or East/West-oriented—Cabas tote. Although similar in material and style, its broader structure increased the bag’s volume, making it a popular option for commuters, travelers and students. The horizontal Cabas tote features two leather handles and forgoes the long, crossbody strap.
Celine also debuted the Cabas Maillon, an even roomier iteration featuring a gold-colored metallic logo. However, the closest alternative to the original horizontal Cabas bag in minimalistic design is the Cabas Phantom. Available in small and medium sizes, the Cabas Phantom is comprised of Celine’s trademark supple leather and features a matching leather drawstring condensing the bag when it’s not filled.
Perhaps the Cabas' boldest variation is its vertical tote, which brought a new aesthetic to the line. You can find this particular tote in mini, small and its original size. With this compact North/South design, the bag’s front features the Celine name in large print. The bag is primarily available in Triomphe printed textile and canvas with calfskin leather trimming.
Each Cabas differs in size, ranging from compressed handbags to spacious travel-friendly totes. The Vertical Cabas bags begin at 8” x 7” x 2” (length, width, and depth). The Cabas Phantom drawstring totes measure 11” x 12” x 7” while the Horizontal Cabas tote is 12” x 17” x 6”. The original small Cabas handbag comes in at 11” x 9” x 4”. Materials for the Cabas include grained and soft-grained calfskin leather, textile and canvas.
The Celine Cabas Tote’s Value and Collectibility
Collectors might notice the Cabas line is more accessible in terms of availability and price than some of the brand's other handbags. However, don't let this fool you as Cabas totes make an excellent investment. Popular among celebrities, influencers and fashionistas worldwide, the bag’s effortless charm and many sizes and styles ensure there's a Cabas tote to suit anyone’s preferences.
The original Cabas tote retails for $1,300, with the Phantom style beginning at $1,850. The vertical Cabas starts at $1,250, and the line’s most expensive offering—the Cabas de France—comes in at $2,600. In early 2021, vertical Celine Cabas totes fetch, on average, more than $1,200 on the resale market, while pre-loved Phantom totes sell for around $800.