A New Era of CELINE: Michael Rider’s Bold Fashion Debut
It’s official — CELINE is entering a thrilling new chapter, and Gen Z fashion lovers are here for it.
Making his long-awaited debut, Michael Rider takes the reins as CELINE’s new creative director, fusing nostalgia with modern elegance. For fashion-forward Malaysians who grew up admiring Phoebe Philo’s cerebral minimalism or Hedi Slimane’s rock-glam edge, Rider’s runway presentation at 16 Rue Vivienne felt like a spiritual homecoming — with a twist.
“Fashion is always about emotion — about moments and memory,” Rider shared in his statement. “I want my designs to feel lived-in, personal, yet timeless.”
From wide-legged trousers to reimagined Phantom bags, here’s everything you need to know about Michael Rider’s CELINE debut — and why it matters now more than ever.
Michael Rider at CELINE: A Fashion House Reimagined
Who is Michael Rider? If you’re not familiar, the designer cut his teeth under Phoebe Philo, absorbing her philosophy of timeless elegance and quiet luxury — making him a seamless fit for CELINE’s next evolution.
What Sets Rider Apart:
- Former senior designer at Phoebe Philo’s cult-favorite label
- Known for merging modern tailoring with emotional storytelling
- Brings a deeply personal vision rooted in memory, versatility, and form
In many ways, Rider’s arrival comes at the perfect time. As fashion leans back into chic minimalism and long-lasting wearability, CELINE’s new direction under his vision feels refreshingly aligned with what Gen Z and Millennials crave today: depth, intention, and everyday luxury.
Fashion editor Carmen Lo, who attended the Paris show, noted: “Rider has a unique ability to honour CELINE’s legacy while gently pushing it forward — and it shows in every look.”
CELINE Runway Highlights: French Chic Meets Fluid Sculpture
Rider’s debut collection leaned heavily into sculptural silhouettes, nostalgic references, and neutral palettes with surprising jolts of colour. Think: structured trench coats one minute, and oversized belts and flowing scarves the next.
Top Style Highlights from Rider’s Collection:
- Sculptural Tailoring
- Sharp blazers & muted trench coats
- Wide-legged trousers that exude quiet confidence
- Playful Neutrals + Pops of Colour
- Creams, beiges, and charcoal tones
- Unexpected blues and vibrant reds for contrast
- Refined Accessories
- Chunky gold chains, XXL leather belts
- Revamped Phantom bag: the new it-bag in the making
Every look on the runway had that elusive CELINE DNA, yet felt fresh, wearable, and distinctively Rider — especially with the preppy-meets-art-gallery vibe.
CELINE Style Inspiration: How to Rock the Rider Look
Want to channel the new CELINE energy in your everyday fits? Here’s a quick style guide inspired by the debut collection:
How to Get the Look:
- Invest in quality tailoring — a neutral-toned blazer goes with everything
- Play with proportions — pair slim denim with oversized sweaters
- Use accessories to elevate — think structured bags and statement belts
- Embrace neutrals — but don’t shy away from a vibrant pop of colour
The Legacy Continues: CELINE Under Rider’s Vision
Michael Rider isn’t just designing clothes — he’s building moments. Pieces in this collection feel ready to live in your wardrobe for years, becoming part of your personal story.
This season’s CELINE woman is:
- Confident, yet quietly rebellious
- Elegantly understated, yet full of character
- Rooted in nostalgia, yet completely now
And that’s exactly what makes Rider’s CELINE debut so powerful. It’s more than fashion — it’s a feeling.
As Rider puts it, “Fashion should speak to years of gestures, of change, of memory — of life, really.”
