Before the fashion world could even process the news of Hedi Slimane’s departure from CELINE, his next in line was ready to be revealed (only a mere two hours later.)

Following the announcement of Slimane’s departure from the fashion house after seven years at the helm, former Creative Director of Womenswear at Polo Ralph Lauren, Michael Rider, has been appointed as his successor. Rider, a graduate of Brown University’s class of 2002, started his career at the helm of Balenciaga’s creative director at the time, Nicolas Ghesquiére. From 2004 to 2008, Rider served as a senior designer for the avant-garde, high-fashion brand. After leaving Balenciaga, he spent ten years at CELINE working alongside creative director Phoebe Philo from 2008-2018, as the design director of ready-to-wear. As a sort of homecoming to the French luxury house for the American designer, Rider now will “have the entire creative responsibility of all CELINE collections from womenswear, menswear, leather goods and accessories to couture.”

Just four months ago, Rider left his position at Polo Ralph Lauren, adding to speculation that he was the head contender to replace Slimane, who WWD reported in April, was stepping down later this year.

Of this return, Rider states “CELINE is a maison with values very close to my heart and a beautiful heritage to build on. I am honored to come back and shape the future of the maison together with the CELINE team.” Set to begin in early 2025, CELINE’S CEO, Severine Merle, expressed similar emotions about Rider’s return, stating “I’m delighted to welcome Michael back to CELINE, a maison that he knows intimately. Michael’s vision, creative talent, together with genuine nature and strong connection to CELINE heritage make him a natural choice to continue to build a long-lasting success for the maison.”