Francesco Risso Named Creative Director of GU
Fast Retailing, the parent company of GU, has announced that Francesco Risso will be taking on the role of creative director for the brand. His debut collection for GU is set to launch in Fall/Winter 2026. In addition to his appointment at GU, Risso will also be working on a new collaboration line with Uniqlo, scheduled to be released in 2026.
GU, established in 2006, is the second-largest brand under Fast Retailing, with Uniqlo being the largest. The brand currently operates around 480 stores across Asia, with e-commerce sites in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan. GU made its debut in the United States in 2024 with the opening of its flagship store in SoHo, New York.
Risso, who previously led the Uniqlo and Marni collection in 2022, was most recently the creative director at Marni. During his time at the Italian house since 2016, he introduced a bold and innovative vision that received critical acclaim. Prior to his role at Marni, Risso spent ten years as a womenswear designer at Prada.
In a statement regarding his new position, Risso expressed his desire to create authentic clothing for everyday people. He emphasized the importance of infusing fashion with meaning and purpose, and stressed the need for bold ideas to reach a global audience.
The announcement of Risso’s appointment as creative director of GU has generated excitement within the fashion industry. With his track record of innovative designs and creative vision, Risso is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the brand and elevate its presence in the global market.
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