Rome: Italian luxury fashion house Fendi has officially announced the appointment of Maria Grazia Chiuri as its new Chief Creative Officer, marking a highly anticipated return for the acclaimed designer to the brand where her illustrious career began more than three decades ago. Chiuri, who previously served as the Creative Director at Dior, will present her first Fendi collection during the Fall/Winter 2026–2027 runway shows in Milan next February.
Maria Grazia Chiuri, born in Rome in 1963, first joined Fendi in 1989 and played a crucial role in developing some of the brand’s most iconic designs, including the legendary Baguette bag. Her return to Fendi signifies a full-circle moment in her storied career.
Following her departure from Dior earlier this year, where she became the first woman to head the French fashion house and was widely celebrated for her feminist-inspired collections, industry speculation had been growing that she would take the reins at Fendi. Her appointment follows Silvia Venturini Fendi’s transition to the role of Honorary President, after leading the brand’s creative direction since the exit of Kim Jones in 2024.
Announcing the appointment, Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH Group, the luxury conglomerate that owns Fendi, said,
“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 within the LVMH group. Surrounded by the Fendi teams and in a city dear to her, I am convinced she will contribute to the artistic renewal and future success of the Maison while preserving its unique heritage.”
Echoing Arnault’s sentiments, Ramon Ros, Fendi’s Chairman and CEO, commented, “The role of a creative director is no longer just about designing beautiful clothes but about curating culture and holding a mirror to the world we live in. Maria Grazia’s talent and vision will strengthen Fendi’s legacy, nurture future talent, and deepen our commitment to Italian craftsmanship.”
In a heartfelt statement, Chiuri expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm for rejoining the fashion house that shaped her early years:
“I return to Fendi with honour and joy, having had the privilege of beginning my career under the guidance of the House’s founders, the five sisters. Fendi has always been a forge of talent, thanks to these extraordinary women who nurtured generations of vision and skill. I am grateful to Mr. Arnault for entrusting me with the task of helping to write a new chapter in the history of this remarkable women-founded company.”
Chiuri’s appointment marks a new era for Fendi, one that blends tradition with modernity. Known for her thoughtful approach to design and focus on women’s empowerment, her leadership is expected to usher in a fresh creative direction that honours Fendi’s Roman heritage while pushing boundaries in innovation and artistry.
Her upcoming debut collection is already one of the most anticipated shows of Milan Fashion Week 2026, as the global fashion community awaits how Chiuri will redefine Fendi’s aesthetic language for a new generation.
