Fendi Appoints Maria Grazia Chiuri as New Creative Director

Fendi announced on October 3, 2023, that Maria Grazia Chiuri has been appointed as the new creative director of the renowned Italian fashion house. Chiuri replaces Silvia Venturini Fendi, who has transitioned to the role of honorary president after stepping down last month. This change marks a significant moment for the brand, which was founded by Venturini Fendi’s grandparents and is now part of the French luxury conglomerate LVMH.

Chiuri, aged 61, previously served as the creative director for Dior and has an extensive background in fashion, having co-led Valentino alongside Pierpaolo Piccioli. Her first collection for Fendi is set to debut in February 2024 during Milan Fashion Week, a pivotal event in the fashion calendar.

In a statement, Bernard Arnault, chairman of LVMH, praised Chiuri’s talent, stating, “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.” This appointment comes at a time of significant transitions within the fashion industry, with numerous creative directors changing roles at major fashion houses.

Venturini Fendi had previously taken on the responsibility for womenswear in addition to menswear after the exit of Kim Jones last year. Jones had assumed the position of artistic director for womenswear and couture in 2020, following the passing of the legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld, who played a crucial role in shaping Fendi’s identity over several decades.

This year, Fendi celebrated its centenary as a luxury fashion house, initially established as a handbag maker and furrier in Rome by founders Edoardo and Adele Fendi. Their five daughters—Paola, Anna, Franca, Carla, and Alda—transformed the brand into a global powerhouse in luxury fashion.

Chiuri expressed her excitement about returning to Fendi, saying, “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.”

As the fashion industry undergoes a notable reshuffling of leadership, Chiuri’s appointment is part of a broader trend, with several notable debuts taking place during recent fashion weeks. These include Matthieu Blazy at Chanel, Jonathan Anderson at Dior, Pierpaolo Piccioli at Balenciaga, Demna at Gucci, Alessandro Michele at Valentino, Simone Belotti at Jil Sander, Dario Vitale at Versace, and Louise Trotter at Bottega Veneta.

Chiuri’s return to Fendi marks a significant moment not only for her personal career but also for the fashion house as it seeks to continue its legacy of innovation and creativity in the global fashion landscape.