Celine begins its exciting, new branding rollout under artistic director Michael Rider with this focus on the Celine Summer 2026 Collection [IG].

Models include Bakary Cisse, Boma Sunday, Dahli Barink, Gabriel Tiercelin, Kylie Young, Romeo Burel, Svetlana Lethelier, Valerie Margareta, and Victoria Biecher. Charles Levai and Kevin Tekinel provide artistic direction, with photography by Jody Rogac [IG].

Whispers always abound in the world of luxury fashion; and they can be monumental around designers and creative/artistic directors. In this moment Rider is surrounded by quiet buzz of a positive nature. Perhaps the degree of his talent is even better than expected — especially for an American. [Anne smiles.]

Rider doesn’t need to burn down the house of Celine, as Jonathan Anderson insisted on for Dior. Even the very talented Hedi Slimane issued ultimatums to luxury brands that it was his way or the highway at Celine and Saint Laurent.

Rider lacks the imperial nature of Anderson or Slimane. There’s a low-key, crispness and clarity to his vision at Celine, a skillset honed at Polo Ralph Lauren, Phoebe Philo and presumably his personality and values.

Rider’s awareness of the critical importance of accessories is inspiring, from a business perspective. We all know about the importance of bags in every luxury brand collection, but Rider approaches scarves and jewelry with the same gusto.