At the Celine headquarters on Rue Vivienne, within the historic Hôtel Colbert de Torcy, the maison unveiled its Fall Winter 2026 menswear collection, a wardrobe rooted in the rhythms of Parisian life
This season for Celine, creative director Michael Rider delivered one of the most quietly compelling menswear offerings of the calendar: a collection that feels less like a spectacle and more like a manifesto for how modern men actually want to dress.
Presenting his first full menswear collection for the maison—an historic first for Celine—Michael Rider deliberately sidestepped the theatricality and surface flash that often dominate Paris runway moments. Instead, he offered what might best be described as classics with bite: garments that communicate restraint and assurance, speaking softly yet with unmistakable confidence.
Rather than staging a conventional runway show, Celine opted for an intentionally intimate presentation. The showroom felt closer to a meticulously assembled wardrobe than a performance space, encouraging close inspection of fabric, cut, and construction. It was a format that underscored the collection’s central idea: these were clothes meant to be engaged with, not merely observed.
At its core, the collection is defined by a sense of tension and release. Where other houses leaned toward exaggeration or razor-sharp tailoring, Rider explored the interplay between structure and ease. Coats with subtly raised waists, denim is layered underneath fluid peacoats, and trousers designed to fall naturally all point to craftsmanship intended for real life—pieces meant to be worn, not preserved.
Versatility also emerges as a cornerstone. Outerwear transitions seamlessly from professional settings to quieter evenings, while knitwear feels equally appropriate in a study or a café. Throughout, the emphasis remains on character over costume, inviting the wearer to inhabit the garment rather than be overshadowed by it.
Shirts, too, follow this philosophy. Offered in a range of cuts—short- and long-sleeved styles, mandarin collars, lighter fabrics alongside heavier textiles—they remain understated without ever feeling anonymous. Subtle branding appears throughout, most notably in the form of a new removable tab adorned with an embroidered Celine logo, a quiet focal point that reinforces the collection’s modern sensibility.
Together, these pieces suggest a wardrobe designed to be deconstructed and rebuilt, evolving into new expressions.
For accessories, expect bold silk scarves that inject colour, while flat loafers—one of Rider’s favoured silhouettes—anchor the look in understated practicality. Classic bag styles are reimagined, including updated versions of the Luggage tote and the Doctor’s pouch, the latter referencing its namesake silhouette from the Spring Summer 2026 womenswear collection. Branded belts, printed ties, and statement necklaces that whisper rather than shout complete the offering.
The Celine Fall Winter 2026 menswear collection marks a stylistic turning point. It does not chase trends so much as articulate a way of life—one defined by intelligence, subtlety, and a respect for clothing’s function in real life. For men who view their wardrobe as a tool rather than a trophy, this offering will resonate deeply.
