Michael Rider Makes His Debut at CELINE in Paris, Marking the Beginning of a New Era
On Sunday, all eyes were on Michael Rider as he made his highly-anticipated debut at CELINE, the renowned French luxury house where he previously worked for ten years under the guidance of Phoebe Philo. This homecoming was a kaleidoscopic spectacle that signaled the start of a new era for the brand, characterized by preppy style codes, sculptural silhouettes, glamorous eveningwear, and even the return of skinny jeans, following Hedi Slimane’s departure last year.
“Coming back to CELINE, and to Paris, back to 16 rue Vivienne in a changed world, has been incredibly emotional for me. And a complete joy,” said Rider, who most recently served as the head of design at Polo Ralph Lauren. “CELINE stands for quality, timelessness, and style – ideals that are hard to define, but are constantly talked about in the fashion industry.”
The collection was a perfect blend of business and extravagance, with muted trench coats, blazers, sweaters, and button-ups adorned with decadent gold necklaces and bracelets. Bold blues and saturated reds added a pop of color to oversized shoulder bags, wide-legged dress pants, and logo-laden scarves. The true stars of the show were the sports coats and sweaters in rich greens and aquamarines, perfectly proportioned and bearing the prestigious CELINE tag. These pieces are not just trendy items, but investments that will stand the test of time and be passed down through generations.
Rider’s vision for the collection was fueled by the idea of longevity. He explained, “I’ve always loved the idea of clothing that lives on, that becomes a part of the wearer’s life, that captures a moment in time but also speaks to years and years of memories and change. Clothing that is not just useful, but also adds a touch of fantasy to life.”
It’s clear that Rider has a plan in place to define his legacy at CELINE. Take a look at his full debut collection in the gallery above.
