They say fashion repeats itself, but what feels like déjà vu at Celine right now is something more poetic. Creative Director Michael Rider opened his Spring 2026 chapter by reviving the Phantom in unexpected form. ‘The New Luggage’ takes Céline’s cult classic and trims it into something leaner, more direct, and firmly grounded in the now.
The New Luggage was first teased in Rider’s debut collection for Celine back in July. The beloved Phantom silhouette is extended into something both familiar and fresh, especially in the ‘Smile Variation’ with its playful grinning zip. Oversized and east-west in shape, it’s crafted in supple, shiny lambskin chosen for its smooth hand, subtle sheen, and delicate texture. Details are so tactile that you can feel them before you see them. Sizes range from small to flat to medium, each designed for versatility. Colours? Black, soft tan, citrus, oxide blue and deep brown, plus a beige suede calfskin and even Porosus crocodile (black and chocolate) in small formats.
Rider threads Celine’s codes into his own language, not missing the opportunity to reference previous experiences. His years at Ralph Lauren infuse the collection with a refined polish, complemented by a sense of ease. The volumes draw inspiration from Phoebe Philo’s tenure, while the stripped-back sharpness hints at Hedi Slimane.
The Phantom’s first version came out in 2011 under Philo, quickly becoming a cult ‘It’ bag. Rider’s version brings it back as the New Luggage, but tweaks proportions (wider sides, more east-west stretch) so it feels current.

The Smile Variation will pre-launch in September 2025 at selected stores and Celine.com, with more colours, sizes and styles arriving mid-November.
photography. courtesy of Zoë Ghertner
words. Gennaro Costanzo














































