Michael Rider Appointed as New Creative Director of Celine

In a move that marks a new chapter for the esteemed fashion house, Michael Rider has been announced as the new creative director of Celine, succeeding the renowned Hedi Slimane after his seven-year tenure. The announcement, made by LVMH, the parent company of Celine, has sent waves through the fashion world as Rider prepares to take over the creative reins of the iconic brand starting in early 2025. Rider’s role will encompass full creative responsibility across all Celine collections, including women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, leather goods, and haute couture accessories.

Michael Rider Appointed as New Creative Director of Celine

Rider’s appointment is not just a change in leadership but a symbolic return to the roots of the brand, as he previously served as the head of design at Celine under the direction of Phoebe Philo for a decade. His intimate knowledge of the maison and his distinctive creative vision, honed over years working for some of the most prominent fashion houses, make him a natural choice to carry forward the brand’s legacy. According to Séverine Merle, CEO of Celine, “Michael’s vision, along with his deep respect for the heritage of Celine, makes him the ideal person to continue the maison’s success. His creative flair and genuine character align perfectly with the future direction of the brand.”

For his part, Rider expressed excitement at the new role, remarking, “Celine is a brand that holds a special place in my heart, with its rich history and values closely aligned with my own. I am thrilled to build upon this heritage and push the brand to even greater heights.” His return to Celine is seen as a homecoming, offering both the industry and long-time enthusiasts a sense of continuity.

Prior to this appointment, Rider had been the creative director at Polo Ralph Lauren since 2018, a position he left earlier this year. During his time at Ralph Lauren, he played a pivotal role in revitalizing the brand, giving the Polo line a distinct identity within the context of a broader preppy revival in the fashion industry. His success at Polo Ralph Lauren, especially in terms of elevating the brand’s modern cool factor, proved instrumental in setting him apart as a leader in contemporary fashion design.

Rider replaces Hedi Slimane, whose impact on Celine has been profound and, at times, controversial. Slimane, known for his earlier work at Saint Laurent and Dior Homme, joined Celine in 2018 with a bold vision to redefine the brand. His first act was the removal of the accent over the “e” in Céline, a subtle yet symbolic change that signaled his intent to shake up the brand’s identity. His debut collection for the Spring/Summer 2019 season introduced menswear to the house’s portfolio, but the dramatic shift away from Philo’s minimalist aesthetic initially sparked widespread criticism. Fashion critics, including Robin Givhan of The Washington Post, accused Slimane of dismantling the very essence of Céline, commenting, “It may not carry his name, but in every other way, the brand might as well be called Hedi Slimane.”

Michael Rider Appointed as New Creative Director of Celine

Despite the rocky start, Slimane’s vision for Celine gradually gained traction. By his Autumn/Winter 2019 collection, he had pivoted towards a more polished “bourgeois French girl” look, which earned widespread approval from both critics and customers. Sarah Mower of Vogue Runway noted the nearly unanimous praise for his evolution of the brand’s aesthetic. Under Slimane’s leadership, Celine saw its revenues soar, with the brand becoming a major player in LVMH’s fashion portfolio, ranking just behind Louis Vuitton and Dior in terms of sales.

Financially, Slimane’s tenure was a triumph. In 2018, when Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of LVMH, introduced Slimane as Celine’s new creative director, he set an ambitious goal: to raise Celine’s revenues from under €1 billion to between €2 billion and €3 billion within five years. By 2023, Celine was on track to meet that target, with HSBC estimating annual sales to reach €2.6 billion, surpassing Fendi in the process. During this time, Slimane expanded Celine’s offerings to include a highly anticipated fragrance line in 2019 and a makeup range in 2023.

Known for his reclusive nature, Slimane retreated from public view, opting not to hold traditional runway shows after the pandemic. However, his blend of Parisian haute bourgeois style and Los Angeles glam rock flair remained a compelling narrative that continued to resonate with the brand’s audience. In late 2022, Slimane made a rare return to the physical runway with a show in Los Angeles titled “Age of Indieness,” a nod to his creative tenure in the city as the former director of Saint Laurent. In September 2023, Slimane revealed his final menswear collection for Celine through a 13-minute film titled The Bright Young, which he both directed and produced, reinforcing his singular vision.

The appointment of Rider at Celine signals a return to a more classic, yet innovative direction for the maison. As LVMH Chairman Bernard Arnault remarked earlier this year, “Celine represents chic, hip, and sexy fashion for the youth. The brand has a magnetic pull, evidenced by the long queues outside its boutiques.” With Rider at the helm, Celine is poised to build on its legacy while forging a future that reflects both its heritage and a modern, forward-thinking aesthetic.

Michael Rider Appointed as New Creative Director of Celine

For the world of high fashion, Rider’s return to Celine represents more than just a shift in creative leadership. It is a moment of reflection on the evolving landscape of luxury, where tradition and innovation must coexist. With his deep connection to the brand and his proven creative talent, Michael Rider is set to bring a new era of sophistication, elegance, and allure to Celine, a maison cherished by fashion connoisseurs across the globe.

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