In a surprise announcement, French Maison CELINE has announced the departure of Hedi Slimane after a transformative seven-year tenure as Artistic Director. The LVMH brand is set to usher in a new era with Michael Rider at the creative helm, marking a pivotal moment in the storied French house's history.
Slimane's departure comes on the heels of his recent collection for CELINE - the spring 2025 women's line, unveiled just days ago via a captivating 10-minute film. The collection, a wonder filled with Slimane's prowess as both designer and auteur, reaffirmed his ability to crystalize a style and present idealized imagery that's compelling and precise.
During his tenure, Slimane left an indelible mark on CELINE, steering the brand through a period of exceptional growth and solidifying its position as an iconic French couture house. LVMH lauded Slimane's holistic vision, exigence, and rigor, which not only redefined the House’s codes but also reaffirmed its feminine and Parisian roots.
Slimane's impact extended far beyond ready-to-wear. He expanded the luxury House’s horizons, venturing into menswear, couture, and haute parfumerie. The revival of the Triomphe logo under his direction became a symbol of the brand's renewed vigor and his prescient collaboration with Lisa heralded a new global celebrity-driven era for the larger fashion industry. In a bold move that underscored CELINE’s growth, Slimane launched CELINE BEAUTÉ, the brand's first foray into cosmetics.
As Slimane's chapter at Celine comes to a close, the maison prepares to welcome Michael Rider as its new Artistic Director. Rider's appointment marks a homecoming of sorts - he previously spent a decade as Design Director at CELINE during Phoebe Philo's acclaimed tenure. This rich history with the brand, coupled with his recent role as Creative Director at Polo Ralph Lauren, positions Rider uniquely to shape the luxury brand’s future.
In his new role, Rider will wield complete creative control over all collections, from womenswear and menswear to leather goods, accessories, and the rarefied world of couture. His appointment, set to take effect in early 2025, promises to usher in a new creative vision while honoring the brand's storied heritage.
Séverine Merle, CEO of CELINE, expressed confidence in Rider's appointment, highlighting his vision, creative talent, and deep connection to Celine's heritage as key factors in the decision. "I am delighted to welcome Michael back to Celine, a maison that he knows intimately. Michael's vision, creative talent, together with his genuine nature and strong connection to Celine's heritage make him a natural choice to continue to build a long-lasting success for the maison.”
This change adds another layer to the current climate of creative flux in the luxury fashion industry. As the sector grapples with shifting consumer behaviors and economic uncertainties, several major brands find themselves at creative crossroads. The industry watches with bated breath, eager to see how these changes will shape the future of luxury fashion.
As the fashion world looks towards early 2025, all eyes will be on Michael Rider and CELINE. The anticipation builds around how Rider will evolve the brand, building upon the strong foundation left by Slimane while infusing his own creative vision. In the ever-changing landscape of luxury fashion, this transition promises to be one of the most closely watched stories of the coming year.