Maria Grazia Chiuri is back where it all began.
Six months after her departure from Dior, the Roman designer has been officially appointed Chief Creative Officer of Fendi. The move confirms the industry’s open secret, bringing her career full circle to the Rome-based house where she first started in 1989.
This is a homecoming for her. Chiuri spent a formative decade at Fendi, a period that saw her play a pivotal role in developing the brand’s now-iconic Baguette bag. Her return marks a significant new chapter for the maison, which has been without a dedicated womenswear creative director since Kim Jones’s exit in October 2024.
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Her first womenswear collection for Fendi, set for Autumn/Winter 2026, will be presented next February in Milan. All eyes will be on how she interprets the house’s rich Roman heritage with her distinct point of view.
The appointment was met with strong endorsement from Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, who stated he is “convinced that Maria Grazia will contribute to the artistic renewal and future success of the maison.”
This strategic shift also follows the recent promotion of Silvia Venturini Fendi, who held the creative reins during the brand’s centenary year, to the newly created role of Honorary President.
The stage is now set. Chiuri’s return to her roots is poised to be one of the most watched narratives in fashion.
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Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Supplied
