Michael Rider’s second collection for Celine picked up right where the first left off. Shown on a sunlit runway surrounded by trees at the tail end of Paris Fashion Week, the Summer 26 presentation had the feeling of a story continuing, rather than starting over. As Rider penned in his show notes, "We saw this collection as a continuation, as if the July show never really ended. The women and men kept walking and the seasons changed."

For only his sophomore show at the House, it seems Rider is now fluent in the language of Celine. His references to past Celine eras were present, but never direct. Tailoring was central to the collection, with double-breasted blazers cut with confident shoulders and styled with slim trousers – a subtle link to the house’s more recent past, with Hedi Slimane at the helm. Elsewhere, clean minimal shapes recalled Phoebe Philo's uncanny ability to create pieces that feel equal parts timeless and joyfully wearable.

Scarves – a now well-established Rider-ism – returned again this season, but they weren’t just added for decoration; this time, they became part of the construction. Some slung languidly from models' hands, others showed up as detailing on blouses, or tucked into looks in unexpected ways.

The colour palette stayed neutral and grounded, built on black, navy, camel, and cream. But Rider added small jolts of colour and print — flashes of red and blue, subtle florals, hints of leopard — to break up the restraint and bring lightness into the mix.

This delicate balance between structure and ease rippled through much of the collection. Oversized outerwear paired with sleeker, more streamlined silhouettes brimmed with a sense of relaxed sophistication, while mini dresses in playful prints offered a softer counterpoint to the sharper tailoring. Accessories followed suit, favouring practical yet elegant touches — from soft leather bags worn casually over the shoulder to suede boots that nodded to Celine’s heritage.

Ultimately, Rider’s Celine feels less like a revival and more like a reinvention, grounded in respect for the past but looking confidently forward. It’s a wardrobe built for real life — clothes that move with you, and evolve with time.