Celine names, Polo Ralph Lauren alumni Michael Rider new artistic director

The house of Celine has appointed a Polo Ralph Lauren alumni Michael Rider to be its new artistic director, replacing his predecessor Hedi Slimane in three hours.

Rider will have “the entire creative responsibility of all Celine collections, from women’s wear, menswear, leather goods and couture,” the house said in a release.
 
The appointment to the Paris-based house takes place in early 2025. It did not say when he will present his first collection for Celine, part of the LVMH luxury conglomerate.

Rider is not unfamiliar with Paris, having begun his career with Nicolas Ghesquière at Balenciaga. Followed by a decade working with Phoebe Philo at Celine. In his most recent position, he was creative director of Polo Ralph Lauren.
 
“Celine is a maison with values very close to my heart and a beautiful heritage to build on. I am honored to come back and shape the future of the maison together with the Celine team,” said Rider in a release.
 
Rider had already announced back in May that he was leaving Ralph Lauren. 
 
Added Severine Merle, CEO of Celine: “I am delighted to welcome Michael back to Celine, a maison he knows intimately. Michael’s vision, creative talent, together with his genuine nature and strong connection to Celine’s heritage make him a natural choice to continue to build a long-lasting success for the maison.”