Michael Rider Appointed Artistic Director of Celine, Succeeding Hedi Slimane, Beginning January 2025

Michael Rider has been appointed as the new artistic director of Celine, a significant move that signals the next chapter for the luxury fashion house. The announcement comes just hours after news broke that Hedi Slimane, who had been at the creative helm of the LVMH-owned brand since 2018, was stepping down. Rider is set to officially take on the role in January 2025, bringing his wealth of experience and deep connection to the brand.

Rider’s appointment is both a homecoming and a significant career milestone. From 2008 to 2018, he worked at Celine under the iconic Phoebe Philo, who is often credited with transforming the brand into a symbol of modern minimalism and chic practicality. Rider's tenure at Celine during this period was marked by his contribution to the brand's understated yet innovative design language. This experience uniquely positions him to take the reins and continue evolving the Celine identity, which has gone through a more rock-and-roll, youth-driven transformation under Slimane’s direction.

Before his time at Celine, Rider’s career began at Balenciaga, where he worked in Nicolas Ghesquière’s atelier from 2004 to 2008. This early exposure to high fashion at one of the industry's most avant-garde houses provided Rider with a solid foundation in cutting-edge design and luxury craftsmanship. After his decade-long stint at Celine, Rider went on to become the creative director at Polo Ralph Lauren, a role that further expanded his understanding of global fashion markets and commercial design. His time at Ralph Lauren also showcased his ability to balance timeless elegance with modern sensibilities, which will likely be key in his new position at Celine.

Rider's academic background also reflects his multidisciplinary approach to fashion. A graduate of Brown University in Rhode Island, he brings an intellectual and artistic dimension to his creative processes, which have been shaped by both formal education and hands-on experience in some of fashion’s most revered houses. His return to Celine is anticipated with much excitement, particularly because of his direct involvement with the house during its Philo-era heyday, a period still fondly remembered by fashion insiders and Celine devotees.

While Slimane’s departure marks the end of a distinct chapter in Celine’s history, Rider’s appointment is seen by many as a return to a more minimalist and classic vision for the brand, one that aligns with the understated luxury ethos that was the hallmark of Philo's Celine. Fans of the brand are eager to see how Rider will balance his respect for Celine’s heritage with the need to innovate and attract a younger, global audience.

The fashion world will be watching closely as Rider assumes his new role in January 2025, with expectations high for a fresh yet familiar take on Celine’s future. This appointment not only represents a significant shift for Celine but also highlights Rider's evolving influence in the industry. His background in both European high fashion and American classicism offers a unique perspective that could help redefine Celine for a new era, making this a highly anticipated next step in his illustrious career.