Celine Appoints Michael Rider New Artistic Director In Succession To Hedi Slimane
Celine has named Michael Rider, the former creative director for Polo Ralph Lauren, as its new artistic director in replacement of Hedi Slimane. Rider will officially join the label in early 2025, marking his return to the French fashion house where he worked for a decade alongside Phoebe Philo.
Michael Rider Comes Back to Celine
Celine is no stranger to Michael Rider. He was ready-to-wear design director from 2008 to 2018, the right-hand man of former creative director Phoebe Philo. His return to Celine comes after a stint as creative director of Polo Ralph Lauren. Rider, who also worked as a senior designer for Balenciaga between 2004 and 2008, is a graduate of Brown University.
Rider’s appointment was unveiled not long after news of Slimane stepping down after 7-years at the helm of the house, which is owned by LVMH, who also own Celine. “Michael’s vision, creative talent and strong connection to Celine’s heritage will further elevate the Maison and inspire – once again – its passionate, global community,” LVMH CEO Severine Merle said of Rider.
Rider & Celine — the development and future of Celine
Since being appointed as creative director at Celine, Slimane has overseen hyper growth for the brand, with revenues believed to be around 2.5 billion euros. Their ability to breeze fresh life into the label without ever losing sight of its cultural significance while also appealing to different customer bases, particularly in the case of menswear and haute couture (with Slimane recognized as a master tailor), is truly astounding. Under Rider, LVMH aims to perpetuate that momentum and further lay the groundwork Slimane put down.
Slimane’s Legacy at Celine
You’ll be remembered for sure Hedi Slimane, with your take on modern day grunge but don’t you dare fuck with the “new” Celine House. Enter Philo and Celine was a big deal in luxury fashion. In addition to the womenswear, he will make a mark on menswear and haute couture, and move into line with Celine’s new haute parfumerie. LVMH credited Slimane with creating a solid base for the future of Celine and lauded his “360-degree approach.”
Slimane’s exit follows the debut of his farewell collection, the spring 2025 women’s collection, which was shown in a 10-minute film on Celine’s website. His departure has set off a round of speculation about further high-profile moves within the fashion industry.
A Shifting Fashion Industry
There has been a wave of designer moves between big brands—what does Slimane leaving Celine signal for the fashion world? Chanel has yet to appoint a new creative director in the months since Virginie Viard left in June as turnover at the top of the fashion industry continues.
As any industry professional will tell you, sales plateau and creative stagnation often lead to a shift at the top of fashion companies: Luca Solca is one analyst who has pointed this out in the past. Though Slimane doubled Celine’s revenue during his tenure — the designer was famously hired to repair the damage done to the label by his predecessor Phoebe Philo-turned-ethereal avant grade fashion — well, it seems as though LVMH is ready for some new ideas over at Rider Studios.
Verdict: Celine’s New Era
This is a new chapter for Celine with the inaugural appointment of Michael Rider to the role of artistic director. Much of Slimane’s early success came from him embracing the brand’s reinvigorated, post-takeover identity and with his detailed understanding of the DNA of the house and experience working under Phoebe Philo, Rider seems poised to continue that whilst adding his voice to it all. It is sure to be an exciting time (2025) for Pheobe Celine fans with Rider at the helm.