Michael Rider's CELINE Debut Blends Heritage, Innovation

Michael Rider debuted as CELINE's creative director in Paris with the Spring 2026 collection, balancing continuity and innovation for the French luxury house. Drawing from his experiences at Polo Ralph Lauren and under Phoebe Philo, Rider blended American preppy classics with Parisian tailoring and paid homage to previous CELINE eras, including those of Michael Kors, Philo, and Hedi Slimane. The collection showcased timelessness and quality through relaxed silhouettes, skinny jeans, embroidered denim, and gold accessories, intentionally steering clear of nostalgia and shock tactics. The show marked the return to physical runway presentations at CELINE and came at a pivotal time following Slimane's profitable yet polarizing leadership. Rider aims to build on CELINE's recent financial success for LVMH while forging a new creative legacy. Industry observers praised the seamless integration of French and American influences in Rider’s vision.