Maria Grazia Chiuri, a distinguished figure in the fashion world, is set to embark on a new chapter as the chief creative officer of Fendi. This appointment follows the departure of Kim Jones and marks Chiuri's return to the luxury house where she started her career. Known for her innovative approach and commitment to feminist narratives during her tenure at Dior, Chiuri's leadership at Fendi is expected to bring a fresh perspective, blending historical legacy with contemporary vision. Her first collection is eagerly awaited, promising a significant moment for the brand and the industry.
Renowned Designer Maria Grazia Chiuri Takes the Helm as Fendi's Chief Creative Officer
In a significant announcement that has reverberated through the fashion industry, Maria Grazia Chiuri has been officially appointed as the new chief creative officer of Fendi. This strategic move sees her stepping into the role previously held by Kim Jones, who concluded his tenure in October. Adding to the leadership reshuffle, Silvia Venturini Fendi, who had been serving as the artistic director for womenswear, menswear, and accessories, transitioned to the esteemed position of house president in September.
Chiuri's journey with Fendi is a storied one, rooted deeply in the brand's history. A native of Rome, she honed her design skills at the IED Istituto Europeo di Design before joining Fendi in 1989 as an accessories designer. During this foundational period, she, alongside her creative partner Pierpaolo Piccioli, played a pivotal role in the creation of iconic pieces, including the globally recognized Baguette bag. The duo's success led them to Valentino a decade later, where they were handpicked by Valentino Garavani to oversee accessories, eventually ascending to co-creative directors in 2008 and garnering acclaim for their Rockstud collection.
Expressing her honor and delight, Chiuri conveyed in a statement, "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." She further emphasized Fendi's role as a "forge of talents and a starting point for many creatives in the industry," attributing this to the visionary leadership of the founding sisters.
Before her return to Fendi, Chiuri made history in 2016 as the first woman to be named creative director of Dior. Her impactful work at Dior was characterized by the integration of feminist themes into her collections, collaborating with influential intellectuals such as Robin Morgan and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and engaging with a diverse array of female artists including Nikki de Saint Phalle, Mickalene Thomas, Graciela Iturbide, and Judy Chicago.
In a 2020 interview with ELLE, Chiuri reflected on the societal perception of fashion during her formative years, noting, "Everyone thought fashion was a domestic job. They didn’t recognize it as cultural and artistic work." At Dior, she actively sought to challenge this notion by highlighting the exquisite artistry of craftspeople, from the Chanakya Atelier in Mumbai to artisans across Ukraine and Côte d’Ivoire.
Ramon Ros, chairman and CEO, warmly welcomed Chiuri, stating, "The role of a creative director is no longer to simply design beautiful clothes but to curate a culture and hold a mirror to the world we live in." With the extensive resources of a century-old fashion house now at her disposal, Chiuri is poised to utilize Fendi as her expansive creative canvas, with her inaugural collection scheduled for unveiling in Milan during the fall/winter 2026 season in February.
Maria Grazia Chiuri's appointment at Fendi represents more than just a change in leadership; it signals a potential evolution in the brand's creative direction. Her past work, particularly at Dior, demonstrated a profound understanding of fashion's power to reflect and influence culture, embracing feminist narratives and celebrating craftsmanship. This return to her roots at Fendi, combined with her seasoned experience and innovative vision, suggests that the house is set to embark on an exciting new chapter. It underscores the growing importance of creative directors not just as designers, but as cultural curators capable of shaping global conversations through their art. The fashion world will undoubtedly be watching closely as she unfolds her vision for Fendi, anticipating how she will blend the brand's rich heritage with her distinctive contemporary and socially conscious approach.