Fashion has a notoriously short attention span. By 8 A.M. on July 7, Paris Couture Week had delivered several moments competing for mindshare in the length of an Instagram scroll. (Cardi B with a live crow! Bioluminescent dresses at Iris Van Herpen!) Even with all those distractions, I woke up still fixated on the Celine Spring 2026 show that had walked the afternoon before.
Celine premiered its first collection under new creative director Michael Rider on July 6, an acolyte of the famed Phoebe Philo during her time at Celine, who then went on to lead design at Polo Ralph Lauren for the past seven years. His appointment, following the departure of former creative director Hedi Slimane last year, raised eyebrows and expectations: Would Rider's training with fashion greats in New York and Paris lead to something equally singular? Would longtime celebrity fans like Kaia Gerber and Blackpink's Lisa stick around? Most importantly: Would women who live and breathe Celine clothing in real life approve?
