Rider’s appointment to the prestigious role in October 2024 followed the unexpected departure of Hedi Slimane. His credentials include a notable decade-long tenure at Celine under the celebrated leadership of Phoebe Philo. After leaving the brand in 2018, Rider assumed the position of creative director at Ralph Lauren, where he remained until May 2024, bringing a wealth of experience to his new role.
This transition at Celine is part of a broader wave of leadership changes sweeping through the luxury fashion industry. Slimane’s final collection, unveiled via Celine’s YouTube channel during the Spring/Summer 2025 season, sparked speculation about a potential move to Chanel following Virginie Viard’s exit. However, with Matthieu Blazy’s subsequent confirmation at Chanel, Slimane’s next career move remains a subject of industry speculation.
The upcoming show represents a strategic shift in Celine’s runway presentation approach. Under Slimane’s direction, the brand frequently opted for off-schedule, pre-recorded shows in various locations, characterized by his signature preppy grunge aesthetic and strong influence from youth culture, particularly embracing TikTok personalities.
Fashion industry observers anticipate that Rider’s creative direction will herald a new aesthetic chapter for Celine, drawing parallels to Gucci’s recent transformation under Sabato De Sarno following Alessandro Michele’s distinctive era. This debut collection is poised to redefine the brand’s identity while honoring its rich heritage in contemporary luxury fashion.