Michael Rider has been appointed Artistic Director of CELINE, succeeding Hedi Slimane. The appointment marks a homecoming for Rider, who previously spent a decade as CELINE’s Design Director of Ready-to-wear, working under Phoebe Philo.
His tenure at CELINE began in 2008 and ended in 2018. Prior to CELINE, Rider honed his skills as a senior designer at Balenciaga from 2004 to 2008. His most recent role was at Polo Ralph Lauren, where he led the womenswear division and significantly raised the brand’s luxury profile.
With this impressive background, he is uniquely positioned to lead CELINE into its next chapter. LVMH, CELINE’s parent company, confirmed Hedi Slimane’s departure and Michael Rider’s arrival in quick succession, signaling a desire for continuity and growth.
Slimane’s seven-year tenure at CELINE resulted in significant growth, bringing the brand’s sales to an estimated 2.5 billion euros. LVMH praised Slimane’s “holistic vision” and his contribution to expanding CELINE’s reach into menswear, couture and fragrance. Slimane’s departure follows the unveiling of his Spring 2025 womenswear collection, which paid homage to French icons Juliette Gréco and Françoise Hardy.
The industry is abuzz with speculation about Slimane’s next move, given his history of revitalizing brands and departing at their peak. Rider’s appointment comes at a time of change in the luxury fashion industry, with several prominent design roles in flux at brands including Maison Margiela, Loewe, Jil Sander, Dries Van Noten, Alberta Ferretti, Jean Paul Gaultier and Y/Project.
Séverine Merle, CEO of CELINE, expressed her confidence in Rider’s “vision, creative talent” and “strong connection to the CELINE heritage“. This appointment marks a significant moment for both Rider and CELINE as they embark on a new journey together. Rider’s experience at both CELINE and Polo Ralph Lauren, combined with his understanding of the luxury market, offers a promising outlook for the brand’s future.
The fashion industry is keen to see Michael Rider’s first collection and the direction he will take CELINE. Rider’s return to CELINE represents a full circle moment in his career and a significant opportunity to shape the future of a renowned fashion house.
