Forum Members Review the Debut Celine Spring 2026 Collection From Michael Rider

Today, on the eve of Haute Couture Paris Fashion Week, Michael Rider presented his debut collection as Celine creative director. The designer succeeded Hedi Slimane as the design lead of the French fashion house (founded in 1945 by Céline Vipiana) back in October 2024. Fast forward nine months, and the American designer (formerly of Polo Ralph Lauren in New York) staged his debut collection within the brand’s HQ on Paris’ Rue Vivienne. The co-ed show boasted a heavy dash of American prep mixed with a dosage of Parisian chic. Silk scarves, rugby sweaters, nip-waist tailoring, and skinny jeans is what the Rider’s Celine customer will be sporting. More notably, making an appearance on the runway was the Celine Phantom bag (first designed by Phoebe Philo in 2010), with Michael Rider serving up his take on the iconic bag.

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

“It’s a bland mix of Slimane and Philo. Decent merchandise but completely forgettable as a whole. There were also too many looks, no need to show every single product. You just get tired and stop paying attention.” [Avonlea]

“He split the difference between Phoebe and Hedi and landed on Thom Browne.” [HigthaVanda]

“Frankly speaking I’ve seen more elevated presentations at Massimo Dutti.” [helmutnotdead]

“This is like an interim collection done by the studio that is giving Gucci and Chanel without a creative director vibes. What is the point?” [Frederic01]

“The clothes are fine, but there’s no real distinct identity. A tough act to follow, after two juggernaut designers. However, this feels sadder than I expected it to be.” [0729866]

“I thought it was good, not everything worked but I liked the nod to late-00s. Show production probably isn’t something he enjoys being a part of, and it felt a little disorganized. However, as a former Phoebe customer, I see desirability in his offerings.” [Living Proof]

See all the looks from the Celine Spring 2026 collection and join the conversation, here.