There’s been a whirlwhind of activity at Celine to kick off October’s fashion news cycle. Just two days into the month, celebrated creative director Hedi Slimane has exited the house, with ex-Ralph Lauren creative director Michael Rider announced as his successor the same day.
Before we get into what this means for Celine (and other news from the month), here’s a recap on September.
September was all about fashion month. Trend takeaways at ELLE included new takes on brown, suede everything, short and sweet hemlines and handkerchief hems. And inspiration didn’t stop on the runway. The streets of New York, Paris, London and Milan were packed with chic attendees doing the most on the fashion (and beauty) front and celebrities were turning it on the front row. We’re entering October feeling inspired for a new season of dressing. Our shopping carts are full of flat shoes, square necklines, gauzy fabrics and oversized brown leather handbags.
September was also a month packed with news. Sarah Burton joined Givenchy as creative director while Haider Ackerman jumped to Tom Ford. And, campaign drops from Gucci, Versace, and Tommy Hilfiger served plenty of eye candy.
We’re entering October, and the news cycle is already running hot. Here’s what you need to know.
Hedi Slimane Exits Celine With Michael Rider Appointed As Successor
Celebrated director Hedi Slimane has stepped down from Celine after seven years with Michael Rider was announced as his replacement the same day. WWD speculated back in April about Rider joining the brand, and he feels like a natural fit for the house. Before his tenure at Ralph Lauren he worked under Phoebe Philo for ten years at Celine.
Rider expressed excitement about his return saying, “Celine is a maison with values very close to my heart and beautiful heritage to build on. Meanwhile, Celine CEO Severine Merle said she was “delighted to welcome Michael back into Celine, a maison he knows intimately. Michael’s vision, creative talent, together with his genuine nature and strong connection to Celine’s heritage, make him a natural choice to continue to build a long-lasting success for the maison.”
What To Know About Michael Rider
Rider started his career with Nicolas Ghesquière at Balenciaga, working there between 2004 and 2008. He then joined Celine under Phoebe Philo were he worked for over a decade. For many, this was the brand’s golden era. Pieces from Philo’s time at Celine are considered collector items byenthusiasts who will undoubtedly be excited by the appointment of a director who served under her eye. Hedi Slimane changed the brand’s pace, removing the accent and infusing collections with a Parisian rockstar edge. Meanwhile, Rider has been celebrated as revitalising Polo Ralph Lauren’s preppy aesthetic, bringing modernity and cool to the American heritage brand. His alignment with understated elegance and affiliation with the bones of Celine’s history make him a promising appointment.
Chanel Appoints Lupita Nyong’o Ambassador
Academy-award-winning Kenyan actress, New York Times Bestselling author and producer Lupita Nyong’o has joined the house of Chanel as an ambassador, cementing a long-standing relationship with the brand. The move is a continuation of Chanel’s pursuit of exciting fresh faces and fascinating women. Margaret Qualley, Kristen Stewart and Jiennie Kim are just some of the exciting young women currently on their roster.
The Black Panther actor has appeared in some of the most critically acclaimed films of the last 11 years, including Twelve Years a Slave and Jordan Peele’s horror US.
In 2020, Nyong’o narrated her debut children’s book and New York Times bestseller Sulwe, for Netflix’s Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices, which earned her an Emmy Award. The book explores colourism and the preferential treatment of those with lighter skin as a global issue that effects children from a young age. She is also the executive producer of the animated series Super Sema, about Africa’s first child superhero.
Dior Opens New Boutique In Westfield Bondi
There’s a new location for luxury lovers to flock to: Dior is opening a new boutique in the heart of Westfield Bondi in Sydney. The elegant space will offer a moment for shoppers to lounge in, with parquet de Versailles geometric timber floors drawing on 16th-century French tradition and referencing the iconic graphic cannage pattern of the house.
The 1960s-inspired Dior autumn/winter 2024/2025 read-to-wear collection from Maria Grazia Chiuri, along with Kim Jones’ creation for the Dior Winter 2024/2025 line, will be unveiled here, alongside the brand’s leather goods, footwear, accessories, and fine jewellery.
