Celine Announces Date for Michael Rider's Runway Debut

Celine has announced newly appointed creative director Michael Rider’s runway debut for July 6. Though Rider’s inaugural collection will show during the Fall/Winter 2025 Couture season, there is no word if it’ll show womenswear, menswear, or co-ed.

Rider, who was appointed in October of last year following Hedi Slimane’s sudden departure, had previously worked for the brand for a decade under the infamous creative helm of Phoebe Philo. He departed in 2018 to take a position as the creative director of Ralph Lauren, a role he held until May 2024.

Rider’s debut is one of many in a series of sudden shifts at the c-suite and design leadership level of the fashion industry. Slimane’s final collection for Celine, which launched via the brand’s YouTube during the Spring/Summer 2025 season, was largely seen as an audition for Chanel following Virginie Viard’s departure and swirling industry rumors. Since then, Matthieu Blazy has been confirmed for Chanel and no official statement has been made regarding Slimane’s next move.

The upcoming runway also marks Celine’s semi-return to the standard fashion week calendar. Under the leadership of Slimane, the brand often opted for off-schedule pre-recorded runways in destination locations. Slimane’s Celine was marked by the designer’s distinct preppy grunge and his fascination with younger generations, including the new wave of TikTok personalities.

Rider’s debut will likely serve as an aesthetic departure from what Celine customers have grown accustomed to, not unlike Gucci’s recent transition from Alessandro Michele to Sabato De Sarno.