On July 6th in Paris, Celine returns to the runway and Michael Rider makes his debut
Celine has finally revealed the highly anticipated date: Michael Rider will present his debut collection for the Parisian house on July 6th at 14:30 in Paris.
This event fits perfectly into the 2025 fashion calendar. Taking place between Men’s Fashion Week (June 24-29) and Haute Couture Week (July 7-11), the show will only heighten the excitement for this new chapter.
Michael Rider: Celine’s New Visionary
Michael Rider, the American talent who succeeded Hedi Slimane, is set to write a new chapter in Celine’s history. With an impressive resume that includes Balenciaga and Polo Ralph Lauren, Rider returns to Celine, where he worked from 2008 to 2018 alongside Phoebe Philo.
This return could steer Celine toward a more sophisticated and feminine evolution, marking a clear contrast to Slimane’s minimalist, rock-inspired style.
Phoebe Philo’s Protégés: A New Generation of Fashion Talents
Phoebe Philo, one of the most influential designers of recent decades, has made a lasting impact on fashion. Not only for her creative vision but also for her ability to nurture a new generation of designers.
Some of her former assistants and collaborators now lead prestigious houses, continuing the minimalist and sophisticated aesthetic she popularized. For example, Michael Rider, Celine’s current creative director, is one of the most well-known, though not the only one. Stella McCartney, who began her career under Philo’s guidance, is now one of fashion’s most prominent figures. Meanwhile, Lucie Meier, Philo’s former collaborator at Celine, is now co-creative director at Jil Sander, bringing forward Philo’s elegant, modern approach.
These designers continue to reshape the fashion world, ensuring that Philo’s legacy lives on.
Return to Live Fashion Shows
One of the most exciting changes in this new era is the return of physical runway shows. After Slimane’s digital era, with films that merged fashion, music, and cinema, Celine is now ready to present a live collection again.
The last physical show took place in February 2023. Thus, anticipation is building to see how the house will re-enter the spotlight with a fresh creative vision.
Mysteries Remain
Despite the confirmed date and time, Celine’s signature aura of mystery is still intact. It remains unclear where the show will take place, whether it will focus on men’s, women’s, or both collections, and what kind of collection will be presented. As always, Celine loves keeping the audience in suspense.
Who Is Michael Rider?
Michael Rider is an American designer who, in January 2025, will become Celine’s creative director, succeeding Hedi Slimane. His appointment marks a new era for the house, which has long followed Slimane’s minimalist, grunge aesthetic. With Rider at the helm, the brand is set for a stylistic revolution that blends luxury, streetwear, and sartorial innovation.
Born in New York in 1983 and trained at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Rider started as a senior designer at Balenciaga from 2004 to 2008. He then became creative director of Celine’s ready-to-wear collection from 2008 to 2018 under Phoebe Philo’s guidance.
Afterward, Rider took on the role of creative director at Polo Ralph Lauren, bringing a fresh vision that made the brand iconic.
In 2018, Rider moved to Maison Margiela, where he consolidated his bold, experimental style, featuring innovative materials and a pioneering approach to sustainability.
Now, with his return to Celine, Rider is poised to guide the house into a new era, emphasizing refined tailoring with a contemporary twist.
He is expected to experiment with exaggerated volumes, asymmetric cuts, and innovative fabrics, such as self-regulating and regenerated textiles. By introducing new textile technologies, Rider aims to make fashion more sustainable. Under his leadership, Celine may embrace a bolder, future-forward vision that balances timeless French elegance with groundbreaking materials.
What to Expect from the New Celine?
With Rider at the creative helm, Celine may shift from Slimane’s narrow, rigid silhouettes to more fluid and structured volumes. Expect a focus on tailoring, as well as the use of sustainable and innovative materials. This fusion of luxury and eco-compatibility will create a perfect blend of style and responsibility.
July 6, 2025 won’t just be a date to mark on the calendar—it will signal a turning point for Celine. Rider’s debut will be a defining moment to discover the house’s future and its new stylistic direction. Under his leadership, the future of Celine promises to be full of surprises and innovation.
