Introduction to Maria Grazia Chiuri’s New Role

Maria Grazia Chiuri has been named chief creative officer of Fendi, the house announced today. Chiuri will present her first collection for Fall/Winter 2026 during Milan Fashion Week next February. The appointment comes six months after she left the position of creative director at Dior. It also represents a homecoming of sorts: Chiuri, a Roman, worked as an accessories designer at Fendi for 10 years between 1989 and 1999, where she led the development of the house’s signature Baguette bag.

Reaction from LVMH Group Chairman and CEO

"Maria Grazia Chiuri is one of the greatest creative talents in the fashion world today, and I am delighted that she has chosen to return to Fendi to continue expressing her creativity within the LVMH Group, after sharing her bold vision of fashion. Surrounded by the Fendi teams and in a city close to her heart, I am convinced that Maria Grazia will become artistic Renewal and contribute to the future success of the house while maintaining its uniqueness,” said Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH Group.

Fendi’s Current State and Future Plans

Fendi has been without a dedicated creative director for women’s fashion since Kim Jones stepped down in October 2024. Silvia Venturini Fendi, scion of the house and granddaughter of founders Adele and Edoardo Fendi, added womenswear responsibilities to her established role as head of menswear, holding the fort for both genders during the brand’s 100th anniversary seasons in 2025. However, on September 29, Venturini Fendi was relieved of her design duties and given a new ambassadorial role as honorary president.

Statement from Fendi’s Chairman and CEO

"I am very pleased to welcome Maria Grazia to the team. The role of a creative director is no longer just to design beautiful clothes, but to curate a culture and hold a mirror up to the world we live in. Her talent and vision will be instrumental in strengthening Fendi’s legacy, shaping the future talent in the house and furthering our commitment to Italian craftsmanship “deepen,” added Ramon Ros, Chairman and CEO of Fendi.

Chiuri’s Vision for Fendi’s Future

"I return to Fendi with honor and joy, having had the privilege of starting my career under the guidance of the House’s founders, the five sisters. Fendi has always been a hotbed of talent and a starting point for many creatives in the industry, thanks to the extraordinary ability of these five women to nurture and nurture generations of vision and skills. I am grateful to Mr. Arnault for giving me the to help write a new chapter in the history of this company.” “An extraordinary company founded by women,” said Chiuri.