Photo: Paola Mattioli/Courtesy of Fendi
She’s back! After exiting her role as Dior’s creative director of women’s back in May, Maria Grazia Chiuri is officially returning to Fendi as its chief creative officer, the Italian house announced on Tuesday.
“I return to Fendi with honor and joy, having had the privilege of beginning my career under the guidance of the House’s founders, the five sisters,” Chiuri said in a statement. “Fendi has always been a forge of talents and a starting point for many creatives in the industry, thanks to the extraordinary ability of these five women to foster and nurture generations of vision and skill.”
Chiuri succeeds Silvia Venturini, who stepped down as Fendi’s creative director on Oct. 1 and assumed the role of honorary president. Chiuri first joined Fendi as a designer in 1989 before branching out to Valentino as an accessory designer. She then clocked in 17 years at Valentino, eight of which she spent helming the label’s creative direction alongside Pierpaolo Piccioli (who now leads Balenciaga).
Her stint at Dior was a historic one, as she was the label’s first female creative director when she joined in 2016. Though Chiuri’s collections often elicited mixed reactions, she bolstered Dior’s revenue during her time in the top position.
“Maria Grazia Chiuri is one of the greatest creative talents in fashion today, and I am delighted that she has chosen to return to Fendi to continue expressing her creativity within the LVMH group, after sharing her bold vision of fashion,” Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH Group, said in a statement. “Surrounded by the Fendi teams and in a city that is dear to her, I am convinced that Maria Grazia will contribute to the artistic renewal and future success of the Maison, while perpetuating its unique heritage.”
Chiuri will debut her first Fendi collection for Fall 2026 in Milan next February. With her Fendi appointment, Chiuri also returns to the shrinking club of female designers helming top luxury brands.
“I am grateful to Mr. Arnault for entrusting me with the task of helping to write a new chapter in the history of this extraordinary women-founded company,” Chiuri continued.
Source: Fashionista.com
Be First to Comment