Michael Rider, photo courtesy of Celine
Michael Rider was appointed as the new Artistic Director of Celine in October 2024, succeeding Hedi Slimane. Rider, who was raised in Washington, DC, and attended Brown University, began his role in early 2025 and presented his inaugural runway collection for Spring/Summer 2026 in Paris on Sunday, July 6, 2025.
Celine Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear Photo by Salvatore Dragone for Gorunway.com
This marks a significant milestone in Rider’s career, a journey that began as the design director of Celine from 2008 to 2018, working under the guidance of Phoebe Philo. His path also includes a four-year tenure as a senior designer at Balenciaga under the leadership of Nicolas Ghesquière.
Rider’s name surfaced when reports emerged in October 2017 that Philo would be leaving Celine. However, in 2018, Michael joined Ralph Lauren as SVP and Creative Director of the women’s Polo collection, where he was tasked with elevating the mid-priced women’s line.
All I can say is America’s loss, Paris’s gain! Yet another major talent finds his footing across the pond!
Celine Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear, Photo by Filippo Fior for Gorunway.com
Michael’s Celine collection, a manifestation of my fashion ideals, is based on sportswear, exuding casual ease yet meticulously thought out in a highly considered way. Something we unfortunately see far too few of in today’s fashion landscape.
Celine Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear, Photo by Fior-Dragone for Gorunway.com
This collection, seasonless (it could easily have been for fall/winter), unisex, and almost completely interchangeable, is a perfect synthesis of Michael’s past influences and his impressive resume: a bit American preppy and a touch European. It’s the best of both worlds. I see touches of Ralph Lauren, Balenciaga, Celine, Chanel, and Saint Laurent, but done Michael’s way, perfectly proportioned, a touch quirky, a bit tomboyish yet feminine.
Celine Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear, Photo by Filippo Fior for Gorunway.com
Unlike the extremes we witnessed in Venice, Italy, last weekend, Michael has struck a perfect balance in his collection. His ability to control volume and master the concept of proportion is truly commendable and a vital aspect in fashion. The slouchiness brought to mind Annie Hall at times.
Celine Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear. Photo by Filippo Fior for Gorunway.com
The collection’s focus was on layering and tailoring, featuring great jackets, coats, and some truly sensational faux furs. I love how Michael uses crisp white shirts beneath many of the pieces.
Celine Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear, Photo by Fior-Dragone for Gorunway.com
Also vital is the use of accessories, and let’s talk about Michael’s fabulous accessories, which are sure to sell: the great bags, belts, patterned silk scarves, and jewelry often piled on with abandon. Sporty flat shoes and ankle boots complemented most of the looks, but there were also some heels. There are many women I know who want to look like this. Myself included.
Celine Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear, Photo by Salvatore Dragone for Gorunway.com
Several friends observed that I could have easily styled the collection because it bears my imprint. I take that as a huge compliment. Yes, it represents everything I adore about fashion.
Celine Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear, Photo by Filippo Fior for Gorunway.com
On a personal note, I could not be more thrilled for Michael and his mom, Ellie Rider, who is a dear friend of my brother-in-law, David, and my late Sister, Sherry Berz. I had the pleasure of meeting Michael several years ago when he was living in London and working for Phoebe Philo at Celine.
Celine Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear, Photo by Filippo Fior for Gorunway.com
When I sent Ellie a congratulations note, she responded, “I was on emotional overload before the show; then I was blown away by the way Michael’s mind apparently works!! Seated with family members, I was deeply moved as each look emerged: gorgeous, chic, sporty with a twist, tailored, sparkling… and so on. Now happily in my hotel room, slow-slipping a Grey Goose & leaving the after-party to the younger contingency.
Last week, editors raved over Marc Jacobs. Many hailed Marc’s fall 2025 ready to wear collection as the closest thing to haute couture. I understand the appeal of Marc’s unbridled creativity. Still, models wearing clothing that distorts and disfigures their bodies, walking in high-heeled platforms that are not only ugly but dangerous, is not my idea of modern fashion in 2026.
On the other hand, Michael’s Celine is the epitome of modern. And how smart of him to show the day before Paris Couture Week for Fall/Winter 2025-2026. Undoubtedly, this collection will surpass much, if not most, of what we see on the runways over the next four days.
Of course, nothing’s perfect. I’m not sure about the logoed footwear; sometimes, the volumes were a bit too extreme, and I would love to see more special pieces for evening. But, Rider is off to a good start, while at the same time, separating himself from the Hedi Slimane era.
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