Previously creative director of Polo Ralph Lauren, the American designer succeeds Hedi Slimane in the plum Paris post.

The fashion world was taken aback when news broke of Hedi Slimane’s departure from Celine after a seven-year reign. But the shock quickly turned to anticipation as the luxury brand announced its new creative director: Michael Rider.

Michael Rider is the new creative director at Celine, the LVMH-owned fashion house announced on Wednesday. His appointment will take effect in early 2025. He will have the entire creative responsibility of all Celine collections, including womenswear, menswear, leather goods and accessories to couture, the statement reads.