Celine Men's Fall 2026: A Fresh Take on Timeless Style
It's easy to overlook that Celine's menswear journey is relatively recent, having only launched seven years ago with Hedi Slimane's appointment (https://wwd.com/fashion-news/designer-luxury/feature/exclusive-hedi-slimane-joins-celine-lvmh-add-menswear-11116665/) at the iconic French house, established in 1945 and owned by LVMH since 1996. Despite its short history, Celine has quickly made its mark.
Slimane's influence is still evident at Celine's headquarters on Rue Vivienne, where the brand showcased Michael Rider's fall 2026 menswear collection in the very same rooms where Rider made his runway debut as artistic director last July. While some of Slimane's signature touches remain, such as the pointy, Cuban-heeled boots paired with his iconic skinny jeans, Rider's collection took a different approach.
Rider's collection introduced a range of super-flat sneakers, loafers, and lace-up ballerinas, offering a refreshing contrast to Slimane's edgy style. In a short time, Rider has infused Celine's classic wardrobe with subtle yet impactful fashion statements. The collection featured slightly raised waists on belted wool coats, square-bottomed silk neckties, shiny gold buttons on a boxy melton blazer, and unique sleeve creases on double-breasted jackets.
The presentation style was equally innovative, with the collection displayed on pegs on the wall, mirroring Rider's approach to showcasing scarves in Celine boutiques. This departure from Slimane's grand marble and Art Deco displays added a touch of casual elegance to the collection.
The collection had a distinct '90s vibe, with tailored coats featuring generous cuts, French blue dress shirts, and a trim camel coat made from moleskin. However, Rider also emphasized versatility, offering a wide array of washed jeans and sweaters stacked to the ceiling.
True to his style, Rider kept his explanation concise. "Classics with bite," he described his collection, emphasizing the balance between timeless pieces and a bold, modern edge. Another way to encapsulate his vision is the phrase, "Character over costume."
This collection showcases Rider's ability to blend tradition and innovation, creating a unique and captivating menswear line that is both timeless and fresh.
