On the brink of the highly anticipated Haute Couture Paris Fashion Week, Michael Rider unveiled his inaugural collection as the creative director of Celine. Taking over the reins from Hedi Slimane, Rider stepped into this prestigious role at the renowned French fashion house, originally founded in 1945 by Céline Vipiana, in October 2024. Fast forward to nine months later, the American designer, who previously honed his skills at Polo Ralph Lauren in New York, showcased his debut collection at the brand’s headquarters located on Paris’ iconic Rue Vivienne. The co-ed show featured a compelling blend of American prep style infused with elements of Parisian chic. Attendees were treated to an array of fashion staples like silk scarves, rugby sweaters, nip-waist tailoring, and skinny jeans, which encapsulate the essence of the Rider’s vision for the Celine customer. Notably, the runway highlighted the Celine Phantom bag, an iconic piece first crafted by Phoebe Philo in 2010, with Rider offering his unique interpretation of this beloved accessory.

In-Depth Review of the Celine Spring 2026 Collection

Explore the Reactions from theFashionSpot’s Forum Community:

“This collection makes no sense whatsoever.” [LadyJunon]

“It’s a bland mix of Slimane and Philo. While the merchandise is decent, it lacks a memorable impact overall. There were also too many looks presented; showcasing every single item can be overwhelming, leading to fatigue and loss of interest from viewers.” [Avonlea]

“He attempted to find a middle ground between Phoebe and Hedi, ending up with a style reminiscent of Thom Browne.” [HigthaVanda]

“To be honest, I’ve witnessed more sophisticated presentations at Massimo Dutti.” [helmutnotdead]

“This collection feels akin to an interim showcase produced by a studio, giving off vibes similar to brands like Gucci and Chanel without a clear creative direction. What is the overarching purpose here?” [Frederic01]

“The garments are fine in their own right, but they lack a distinctive identity. Following in the footsteps of two iconic designers is no easy feat, and unfortunately, this presentation feels more lackluster than I anticipated.” [0729866]

“I found some aspects commendable; while not everything resonated, I appreciated the references to late-2000s styles. The show’s production seemed to be a challenge for him, resulting in a somewhat disorganized feel. Nevertheless, as a former fan of Phoebe, I see potential desirability in his offerings.” [Living Proof]

Discover all the stunning looks from the Celine Spring 2026 collection and join the conversation about this pivotal moment in fashion, here.