Michael Rider
Artistic Director, Celine
The designer has returned to Celine as its new creative director, having previously led the brand’s ready-to-wear before moving to Ralph Lauren where he led design of the womenswear collections.
Michael Rider is the artistic director of Celine. He was appointed in October 2024 to succeed Hedi Slimane at the French fashion house. An American designer raised in Washington, D.C., and a Brown University graduate (Class of 2002), Rider brings a refined, quietly authoritative aesthetic shaped by two of the most influential eras in modern fashion.
Rider began his career at Balenciaga under Nicolas Ghesquière (2004–2008), where he helped define the sharp, futuristic codes that reshaped early-2000s luxury. He then joined Phoebe Philo’s Celine, serving as design director of ready-to-wear from 2008 to 2018. There, he honed his minimalist sensibility and earned him a devoted following within the industry. From 2018 to mid-2024, Rider led the women’s division at Polo Ralph Lauren, elevating the line with an understated polish and modern reinterpretation of American heritage.
His return to Celine marks a homecoming — and a reset. Rider’s debut runway, which took place on July 6, 2025, contained nods to the tenures of Hedi Slimane, Phoebe Philo and Michael Kors, as well as Rider’s own work for Polo Ralph Lauren.
Career History
VITAL STATISTICS
Fashion’s Quest For Clarity
During the second half of men’s fashion week in Paris, a handful of designers delivered clear messages, but they were the exception, reports Angelo Flaccavento.
Fashion’s Quest For Clarity
During the second half of men’s fashion week in Paris, a handful of designers delivered clear messages, but they were the exception, reports Angelo Flaccavento.
Act Two: A Verdict on Paris’ Sophomore Outings
At a Paris Fashion Week dominated by flashy debuts, Givenchy, Celine, Lanvin and Tom Ford worked to hone their respective visions with second shows by designers onboarded earlier in the year.
Act Two: A Verdict on Paris’ Sophomore Outings
At a Paris Fashion Week dominated by flashy debuts, Givenchy, Celine, Lanvin and Tom Ford worked to hone their respective visions with second shows by designers onboarded earlier in the year.
At Celine, Michael Rider’s Salade Mixte
The designer’s debut for the house contained nods to the tenures of Hedi Slimane, Phoebe Philo and Michael Kors, as well as Rider’s own work for Polo Ralph Lauren, reports Angelo Flaccavento.
At Celine, Michael Rider’s Salade Mixte
The designer’s debut for the house contained nods to the tenures of Hedi Slimane, Phoebe Philo and Michael Kors, as well as Rider’s own work for Polo Ralph Lauren, reports Angelo Flaccavento.
This Week: Paris Couture and Trump’s Tariffs
Both sides of fashion’s value equation will be put to the test in the coming days as couture houses flex their creative muscles and consumer prices hang in the balance pending trade deals between the US and major fashion manufacturing hubs.
This Week: Paris Couture and Trump’s Tariffs
Both sides of fashion’s value equation will be put to the test in the coming days as couture houses flex their creative muscles and consumer prices hang in the balance pending trade deals between the US and major fashion manufacturing hubs.
Michael Rider Replaces Hedi Slimane at Celine
Rider, a top design deputy during Phoebe Philo’s tenure at Celine who left his role at Ralph Lauren earlier this year, will oversee all collections at the LVMH-owned house from early 2025.
Michael Rider Replaces Hedi Slimane at Celine
Rider, a top design deputy during Phoebe Philo’s tenure at Celine who left his role at Ralph Lauren earlier this year, will oversee all collections at the LVMH-owned house from early 2025.
What is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
