Michael Rider unveils a debut bourgeois and rock collection at Celine

Michael Rider unveils a debut bourgeois and rock collection at Celine

Michael Rider unveils a debut bourgeois and rock collection at Celine

Michael Rider unveils a debut bourgeois and rock collection at Celine

Paris - A new chapter opens at Celine. American designer Michael Rider_ successor to Hedi Slimane_ unveiled his first collection on Sunday in Paris. The spring wardrobe had chic_ bourgeois accents tinged with a rock touch.

“Returning to Celine in a changed world has been a deeply moving experience for me. It has also been an immense joy_” said the designer_ a former collaborator of ex-creative director Phoebe Philo (2008-2018)_ in a statement. The French fashion house_ according to Rider_ embodies “quality_ timelessness and style”. These are “ideals difficult to grasp” that he wanted to translate into this collection.

Large wool coats split at the back; very slim or carrot trousers for men and women; diamond-patterned jumpers; fitted blazers; and leather jackets make up this mixed-gender spring 2026 wardrobe. Elegant evening dresses and short fur jackets complete the collection.

As for accessories_ the ties are striped in the style of Oxford students. Wide trousers are worn tucked into soft leather boots. There are also many flat shoes in a Zizi Richelieu style.

Belts are wide. Bags are imposing. Silk scarves are omnipresent. Jewellery is flashy and plentiful. The entire collection comes in a neutral palette of khaki_ sand_ white and black_ interspersed with touches of bright colours_ including green_ red and very deep blues.

After Slimane_s filmed shows_ Rider brought Celine back to the catwalk. The show took place at the brand_s headquarters in central Paris. Part of the show was outdoors_ despite the pouring rain_ on the eve of the start of Haute Couture Week.

Anna Wintour_ who_ despite the announcement of her recent departure from the editorial leadership of American Vogue_ confirms her nickname of “Pope of Fashion”_ was in the front row. She sat alongside Jonathan Anderson_ the new creative director of Dior_ another LVMH brand.

Rider was design director under Philo at Celine. He has also worked at Balenciaga and Polo Ralph Lauren. He took over from Slimane immediately after his departure in October 2024.

Slimane was creative director of Dior Homme from 2000 to 2007_ then of Saint Laurent from 2012 to 2016. The French designer was appointed in 2018_ replacing Philo. He shook up the bourgeois look forged by the Briton by injecting a rock vibe.