After a 7-year tenure at Celine, the fashion house’s Creative Director Hedi Slimane is slated to exit after an announcement today by the Fashion House. This sudden shake up shocked the industry as it came unexpectedly. What was more surprising was that a few hours later, a new announcement was made that Michael Rider is set to take his reigns in the French fashion house, replacing Hedi.

Under Hedi’s belt in Celine was a full rebrand, applying his signature silhouette, introducing menswear as a new category, venturing into beauty and high fragrance, and more importantly, doubling the brand’s sales to the billions. His initial appointment in Celine wasn’t met with much warmth as the brand had developed a cult following with its previous creative director Phoebe Philo.

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As what Hedi would normally do, he did a full rebrand of the brand, adjusting to his vision that later on proved to be a stellar success, having mega star ambassadors like Lady Gaga and Blackpink’s Lisa. Within his tenure, Celine has truly become a formidable mega brand that it is today.

Now, Michael Rider enters the frame after working for Polo Ralph Lauren for six years a Creative Director until May of this year, giving a spin to the brand to be American cool. But he is no stranger to the Celine universe. He has worked under Phoebe Philo’s leadership for 10 years in Celine as Design Director. Consider this a homecoming of some sorts for him at LVMH-led brand.

This sudden move had industry and followers speculate if Hedi is heading to another fashion house like Chanel. As for Michael, we have yet to see what is next for Celine.

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