Fendi Maria Grazia Chiuri appointment Introduction: A Homecoming That Redefines Luxury Fashion
The world of high fashion is abuzz with excitement as Italian designer Maria Grazia Chiuri officially returns to her roots. After a celebrated tenure at Dior, Chiuri has been named the new Chief Creative Officer of Fendi, confirming months of speculation that followed her departure from the Parisian maison in May 2025.
Her appointment signals a historic shift for Fendi, the Rome-based luxury powerhouse owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, as the brand prepares to embark on a new creative journey blending heritage and innovation.
This move is not only a major moment in Chiuri’s illustrious career but also a powerful reunion with the fashion house where her journey began more than three decades ago.
Fendi Maria Grazia Chiuri appointment From Fendi to Dior — and Back Again
Maria Grazia Chiuri’s relationship with Fendi is deeply personal and professionally defining. She began her fashion career at Fendi in 1989, where she helped establish the brand’s identity in the luxury accessories segment. Working closely with Silvia Venturini Fendi, Chiuri played a pivotal role in designing some of the house’s most iconic handbag collections, including pieces that shaped Fendi’s global appeal in the 1990s.
After more than a decade at Fendi, Chiuri joined Valentino, where she co-led design alongside Pierpaolo Piccioli, before eventually moving to Dior in 2016 as the brand’s first female Creative Director in its history.
At Dior, Chiuri became known for her feminist-driven collections that merged couture craftsmanship with social commentary, making her one of the most influential figures in contemporary fashion.
Now, her return to Fendi marks a full-circle moment — one that promises to honor the brand’s Italian roots while infusing it with her signature modern sensibility.
Fendi Maria Grazia Chiuri appointment Bernard Arnault Praises Chiuri’s Vision
Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, expressed his delight at Chiuri’s return, emphasizing her creative strength and longstanding relationship with the luxury conglomerate.
“Maria Grazia Chiuri is one of the most remarkable creative talents in fashion today,” Arnault said in a statement. “I am thrilled she has chosen to return to Fendi and continue her artistic journey within the LVMH family.”
Arnault described her appointment as a vital step in Fendi’s continued evolution, blending modern artistry with timeless Italian craftsmanship. He highlighted how Chiuri’s work embodies the spirit of LVMH’s values — creativity, excellence, and innovation.
Her leadership is expected to not only redefine Fendi’s design direction but also reinforce its position as one of the world’s most sophisticated and enduring luxury brands.
Fendi Maria Grazia Chiuri appointment Chiuri’s Debut Collections for Fendi
Maria Grazia Chiuri’s first womenswear collection for Fendi is scheduled to debut at Milan Fashion Week in February 2026, followed by menswear in June and haute couture in July.
According to Fendi’s Chairman and CEO Ramon Ros, this new creative structure will bring a unified design vision across all product lines — a move aimed at strengthening Fendi’s global identity.
Ros commented,
“This is a defining moment for Fendi. Maria’s appointment allows her to fully express her artistic vision. At a time of uncertainty in the fashion world, creativity remains the guiding force that pushes us forward.”
He further noted that Chiuri’s leadership combines strong artistic direction with a deep understanding of the ever-changing luxury market, making her an ideal figure to shape Fendi’s future.
Fendi Maria Grazia Chiuri appointment Fendi’s Creative Restructuring and New Leadership Roles
Chiuri’s arrival also coincides with a significant internal restructuring at Fendi. As part of this transition, Silvia Venturini Fendi — the granddaughter of one of the brand’s founders — has been appointed Honorary President.
The change follows the departure of Kim Jones, who previously headed Fendi’s womenswear division. This restructuring signifies a generational shift while maintaining Fendi’s connection to its founding family.
Ros explained that Chiuri’s creative philosophy aligns perfectly with Fendi’s commitment to Italian craftsmanship, innovation, and storytelling.
“Designers today must be part sociologist, part visionary,” Ros said. “Maria understands the modern consumer better than anyone — she knows how to merge heritage with relevance.”
Fendi Maria Grazia Chiuri appointment Chiuri’s Statement: A Return to Her Creative Roots
In her official statement, Maria Grazia Chiuri expressed heartfelt gratitude and nostalgia for her return to Fendi. She recalled her early years working alongside the Fendi sisters, who helped shape her design philosophy and approach to fashion.
“Fendi has always been a forge of talent,” Chiuri said. “I’m deeply thankful to Mr. Arnault and the Fendi family for this incredible opportunity to contribute to the brand’s next chapter.”
She added that her new role represents both a personal and professional homecoming — an opportunity to blend emotional heritage with forward-thinking creativity.
Fendi Maria Grazia Chiuri appointment Continuity in Craft: Delfina Delettrez and Fendi’s Legacy
While Chiuri takes the creative helm, Delfina Delettrez Fendi, daughter of Silvia Venturini Fendi, will continue to lead Fendi’s jewelry division. Her continued presence reinforces the house’s tradition of nurturing in-house talent and maintaining family involvement in key creative roles.
Over the decades, Fendi has become synonymous with artisanal excellence, and its workshops in Rome remain among the most respected in the industry. The brand has also served as a launching pad for several celebrated designers, including Pierpaolo Piccioli, Frida Giannini, and Alessandro Michele — all of whom later went on to head major fashion houses.
Fendi Maria Grazia Chiuri appointment Fendi’s Vision: Tradition Meets Modernity
As Fendi approaches its 100th anniversary, the brand is entering a pivotal era of renewal. Under Chiuri’s leadership, the house aims to strengthen its position as a symbol of Italian luxury, celebrated for its meticulous craftsmanship, innovative spirit, and emotional connection with its audience.
Industry experts believe Chiuri’s appointment is strategic — not only does it reconnect Fendi with its roots, but it also infuses the brand with a distinctly modern and socially conscious edge. Her feminist perspective and dedication to craftsmanship are expected to resonate with new generations of global consumers.
Ros summed it up best:
“This is not just a return — it’s a rebirth. Fendi stands at the intersection of history and innovation, and Maria is the perfect designer to carry that torch forward.”
Fendi Maria Grazia Chiuri appointment Conclusion: A New Chapter for Italian Fashion
Maria Grazia Chiuri’s appointment as Chief Creative Officer of Fendi is more than just a career move — it’s a full-circle moment in modern fashion history. Her return symbolizes the enduring strength of Italian creativity, the unity of the LVMH family, and the importance of honoring heritage while embracing the future.
As the fashion world eagerly awaits her debut collection in Milan next year, all eyes are on Fendi — a house poised to redefine luxury through emotion, craftsmanship, and timeless innovation.
