Michael Rider sets the tone for a new CELINE with a collection grounded in longevity and approachable, playful Parisian style.
Michael Rider’s highly anticipated debut as CELINE’s creative director took place on July 6 in Paris, marking a pivotal moment for the house. Returning to the brand where he spent a decade under Phoebe Philo, Rider delivered a Spring 2026 collection that honored past CELINE greats while allowing his own MO to shine. The result was contemporary French attire with an American preppy twist. It was a collection that paid tribute to what Celine was and what it is today.
What made this collection stand out was its duality in styling. The looks appeared effortless, balancing business and leisure. The Rider didn’t focus on a singular aesthetic but instead embraced a variety of tastes.
A dress styled with a beachy woven sun hat. A cut-off tie, rumpled sleeves, and sneakers punctuated sophisticated pleated pants.
Jackets draped over arms or tied around waists were reminiscent of days spent at the airport or running errands. Even with Celine’s prestige and price point, the looks felt approachable, grounded in reality.
Chunky accessories added an interesting flair to basic ideas, elevating a classic collection. Vintage-inspired costume necklaces brought an unexpected opulence to an elegant cardigan. The final featured oversized gold brooches decorating a narrowly tailored coat.
The collection’s slightly unusual energy stemmed from its fusion of CELINE’s past greats with Rider’s codes. He honored Hedi Slimane’s legacy by reviving the skinny jean, incorporating cropped satin jackets and simple evening gowns, and accessorizing with vanity bags.
Philo’s influence was evident in bold shoulders and fitted torso tailoring, collared shirts with tucked lapels, and silk scarves. Styling blended the designers’ worlds. For example, one look had a Slimane-signature sequins on a Philo-esque black jumpsuit.
Rider didn’t shy away from his roots and recent Ralph Lauren tenure, elegantly weaving this American, preppy style into the Parisian wardrobe. His playful use of color and Ivy League academic influences felt natural, a possible hint of Rider’s upbringing in D.C. and time at Brown University. One look featured a polished camel coat with a scarlet-red jacket casually draped over the shoulders, another combined a sporty oversized rugby shirt and white turtleneck with Slimane-esque skinny jeans. The collection was eccentric, yet cohesive.
Every detail held meaning. Footwear choices were also creative and intentional, from Parisian-inspired Mary Janes for men to sporty-chic logo wrestling boots.
At the heart of Rider’s debut was the philosophy of longevity. His show notes spoke of clothing that “lives on” and “becomes a part of the wearer’s life.” These pieces are meant to endure. They weren’t designed just for this season, but to be passed down through generations. Silk scarves, a motif throughout the show, subtly nodded to this heirloom quality.
Rider’s debut balanced CELINE’s rich history while asserting his codes and vision for CELINE’s present. It was a collection about reinvention. He suggested that he’s ready to move forward without forgetting where he has been.
All imagery courtesy of Celine.
