5 Things We Loved About The Celine Summer 2026 Collection
Michael Rider’s sophomore Celine collection sharpens his vision with punchy classics — think flirty floral minis, sleek black dresses, elongated jackets, and clever silk-scarf details that make every piece feel fresh.
Following his debut for Celine in July, new creative director Michael Rider returned to Parc de Saint-Cloud in Paris for his sophomore collection — and the confidence showed. His first outing was strong, fusing Phoebe Philo’s minimal ease with Hedi Slimane’s glam-rock sharpness, but Rider isn’t here to play cover artist. This new collection sharpens his vision for the brand, proving that he’s carving a distinct path in a crowded field of designers working with classics. His pieces have punch, material substance, and cross-age appeal — a rare balance.
The mood this season? Sleek, fluid, and full of colour. Rider described it best himself: “We were thinking about good times, about lightness, and about summer heat. The tension between discretion and showing skin.” The result is unmistakably Parisian polish with a liberated, youthful energy that feels very now.
MINIS MAKE A MAJOR COMEBACK
Rider opened strong with a mini black dress curved at the hip and finished with soft pleats — a nod to classic femininity, but with an edge. Variations followed: florals, purple glitter, blazer versions, and sweetheart-neckline options. Mini skirts fluttered down the runway in delicious reds and yellows. Fit-and-flare minidresses in jaunty floral jacquard and straight-line black dresses with flap closures added sophistication and subtle drama.
SHARP TAILORING MEETS A PLAYFUL PALETTE
Tailoring stole the show. Slightly oversized double-breasted blazers echoed Old Celine, but Rider injected his upbeat spin with bold colour pairings and relaxed styling. Highlights included elongated suit jackets meant to be worn as separates, a navy blazer paired with crisp white cotton trousers, and a wide-belted tailored jacket in navy with blue trousers that flirted with denim vibes without committing.
SCARVES, BUT MAKE THEM CENTRAL
Rider took scarves — the epitome of Parisian dressing — and made them essential. They draped as tops, added flair to skirts, lined dark trench coats, and swayed with dramatic effect under tailored jackets. Accessories weren’t an afterthought; they were the clever connective tissue of the collection.
THE NEW IT-BAGS, RIGHT THIS WAY
Yes the Celine Luggage bag has made a splashy return, but Rider also teased a fresh crop of must-haves: slouchy city bags, wicker bucket bags for beach days, and clutches that at first glance could be mistaken for sleek leather planners. Clever, playful, and effortlessly chic.
A SKINNY SHOE AFFAIR
Footwear followed the refined-but-fun theme. Slim Derby shoes in black, white, and bright summer hues strutted out alongside equestrian-inspired sandals with signature toe rings, high-top skinny sneakers with the Celine logo, and classic leather mules that are as wearable as they are stylish.