This piece was originally published on Vogue Business.
Today, Fendi made an exciting announcement regarding the appointment of Maria Grazia Chiuri as its Chief Creative Officer. Chiuri is set to unveil her inaugural collection for the Fall/Winter 2026 season at Milan Fashion Week in February. This new role comes just six months after she concluded her tenure as creative director at Dior. Notably, it signifies a return to her roots; Chiuri, a native of Rome, had a decade-long career at Fendi as an accessories designer from 1989 to 1999, where she played a crucial role in the creation of the iconic Baguette bag.
Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH Group, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Maria Grazia Chiuri stands out as one of the foremost creative talents in today’s fashion industry. I am thrilled that she has chosen to rejoin Fendi, allowing her to further explore her creativity within the LVMH family after showcasing her audacious approach to fashion. Surrounded by the talented Fendi team and in a city she holds dear, I have no doubt that Maria Grazia will add to the artistic evolution and future success of the maison, while honoring its remarkable heritage.”
Since Kim Jones’ departure in October 2024, Fendi has lacked a dedicated creative director for womenswear. During this transitional period, Silvia Venturini Fendi, the granddaughter of the brand’s founders Adele and Edoardo Fendi, expanded her responsibilities beyond menswear to oversee womenswear, effectively managing creative direction throughout the maison’s centennial celebrations in 2025. However, on September 29, Venturini Fendi stepped back from her design roles to take on a prestigious ambassadorial position as Honorary President.
Ramon Ros, Chairman and CEO of Fendi, remarked, “I am excited to welcome Maria Grazia to our team. The essence of a creative director today transcends merely designing exquisite clothing; it involves curating a cultural narrative that reflects our current world. Her unique talent and vision will be vital in reinforcing Fendi’s heritage, nurturing future generations of talent within the brand, and enhancing our dedication to Italian craftsmanship.”
