New Celine has arrived with Michael Rider’s first collection for the French fashion house. The artistic director presented his much-anticipated spring 2026 show in Paris just ahead of Couture Fashion Week, held at the Celine headquarters on 16 rue Vivienne in Paris.
Rider tapped into the Celine house codes, infusing nods to his predecessors—Michael Kors’s sophisticated sportswear, Phoebe Philo’s minimalist tailoring, Hedi Slimane’s skinny pants—while making the collection distinctly his own. The designer hails from Polo Ralph Lauren where he was most recently creative director. He previously began his career at Balenciaga on Nicolas Ghesquière’s team before spending ten years working under Phoebe Philo at Celine, so the show marked his return to the fashion house. His background in both Paris and New York lent a French-American point of view to the collection, blending elements of classic prep and bourgeois style.
“Celine stands for quality, for timelessness and for style, ideals that are difficult to catch, and even harder to hold on to, to define, despite more and more talk about them out there,” Rider shared in the show notes, discussing his approach to design aimed at creating long-lasting clothing that is worn for years and years. “We worked on translating them into a way of dressing—that attitude, or attitudes, that we feel describe who we are and what we stand for.” Ahead, more on Michael Rider’s stellar debut for the Celine spring 2026 collection.
Preppy-Bourgeoisie Style
Rider brought a preppy-bourgeoisie sensibility to the collection with printed silk scarves tied at the neck and tucked under the lapel of a blazer, straight-leg denim paired with sleek white sneakers, and dramatic furry outerwear worn with pleated trousers and loafers. You can sense the influence of Rider’s time at Ralph Lauren that brings in preppy Americana style, alongside a sense of bourgeois Parisian style à la Celine.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)
A Return to Color
The palette had a foundation of neutrals including black, white, and camel but bold color returned to the runway in a big way. Pops of Kelly green, tomato red, and cobalt blue were used throughout, often layered in looks with knits, collared shirts, and silk scarves. The show was styled by Brian Molloy—a stylist regularly called upon by The Row, Tory Burch, and Tod’s—who brought his sharp eye and expert use of color to the looks.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)
The Accessories
Accessories were strong—not only the new and ressiued bags, but other categories as well. The looks were accessorized by layers and layers of jewelry, including gold chain necklaces and bracelets finished with charms and Celine logo pendants, which were added in multiples. Rings were stacked in the dozens. Belts, chains, and padlock charms were hooked to the waist, and a belt with an embossed silver buckle is likely to be a cult buy once it’s released. Dramatic brooches were added to everything from tailored wool coats to leather jackets.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)
The Men’s Department
The co-ed collection showcased menswear alongside womenswear. The men’s looks were in tandem with the women’s, infusing preppy elements including collegiate blazers, striped ties tucked into jeans, collared shirts layered beneath jersey sweatshirts, and colorful scarves and knits draped over the shoulder.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)
On the Front Row
Stars including Dan Levy, Kristen Wiig, and Naomi Watts attended the runway show in Paris wearing head-to-toe Celine. Their looks incorporated signature Celine pieces including chasseur jackets, blue wash jeans, leather loafers, and Triomphe bags.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)
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