An American in Paris: Michael Rider to Succeed Hedi Slimane at Celine

T he luxury fashion world witnessed a major shift this morning as LVMH officially confirmed that Michael Rider will replace Hedi Slimane as Celine's new creative director. Slimane's six-year reign brought tremendous growth to the iconic French fashion house, leaving behind a legacy that includes the creation of the famed Triomphe bag and a devoted, youthful fanbase drawn to his sleek denim, logo-centric baseball caps, and timeless outerwear.

LVMH praised Slimane's leadership, stating, "Under his creative and artistic direction, Celine has experienced exceptional growth and has firmly established itself as a leading French couture house. Hedi's meticulous vision and dedication have redefined the codes of Celine while staying true to its Parisian and feminine roots. His expansion into men's fashion, couture, and haute parfumerie has set a strong foundation for the future of the maison."

Stepping into Slimane's shoes is New York-based designer Michael Rider, who previously served as Senior Brand Creative Director of Women's for Polo Ralph Lauren. Rider is no stranger to Celine, having worked there under Phoebe Philo as design director of ready-to-wear from 2008 to 2018. He also brings experience from his role as a senior designer at Balenciaga from 2004 to 2008. Reflecting on his new role, Rider said, "Celine holds a special place in my heart, and I'm thrilled to return and build upon its rich heritage. I look forward to shaping the future of the maison alongside the talented team."

The fashion industry has seen a significant reshuffling of creative directors recently, with leadership changes at luxury houses like Gucci, Chloe, Valentino, and McQueen. Many of these appointments, including Rider's, have involved lesser-known designers who have spent much of their careers behind the scenes. This trend of selecting fresh, innovative leaders may usher in new perspectives while respecting the heritage of these established brands. With Slimane leaving an unforgettable mark on Celine, especially after taking the reins from Philo—a pivotal figure in modern fashion—it will be fascinating to see how Rider adds his unique touch, potentially blending American sensibilities with Celine's Parisian roots.