In one of the swiftest rounds of fashion musical chairs in recent memory, Celine announced Hedi Slimane would be leaving his position as the label's artistic director, but his post wasn't vacant for long. Hours later, the brand named Mr. Slimane's replacement: Michael Rider, a former design director at Celine who most recently oversaw Polo Ralph Lauren's women's wear. 'I am delighted to welcome Michael back to Celine,' said Severine Merle, Celine's chief executive, emphasizing his strong connection to the brand's heritage.
Though Celine is relatively small compared to other brands in LVMH's portfolio, it is known for commanding attention and drawing strong opinions among celebrities. Mr. Rider's appointment not only marks a new chapter for the brand, but it also represents a sort of Parisian homecoming for him, who spent a decade as Celine's design director under Phoebe Philo before his recent role at Ralph Lauren.
Michael Rider's move back to Celine is significant as he is one of the rare American designers in leadership roles within LVMH, and he follows in the footsteps of Michael Kors, who oversaw design at Celine from 1997 to 2004. Rider's success at Ralph Lauren, revitalizing collections with luxurious elements, raises questions about how he will adapt this approach within the distinct brand identity of Celine.
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