The rumor mill was aware of the latest move in the fashion musical chairs: since last year, whispers assured that Maria Grazia Chiuri was destined to take on the role of creative director at Fendi. Following the departure of Kim Jones, Silvia Fenturini Fendi took over while the house celebrated its first centenary. An homage to the family that founded the brand for the current fall-winter collection and a celebration of color for the upcoming spring bear the signature of the current Honorary President. Starting from the fashion week to be held in February 2026, it will be Chiuri's turn.
In a statement, Ramón Ros, president and CEO of Fendi, highlighted the role as architects of a universe that creative directors hold in the 21st century. "Their role is no longer just to design beautiful clothes, but to edit a culture and reflect the world we live in. Their talent and vision will be essential to strengthen Fendi's legacy, shape future talent within the maison, and deepen our commitment to Italian craftsmanship." Collaborations are part of Chiuri's expertise. Throughout her years as the creative head of Dior, the Roman designer sought to integrate the genius of artists outside the textile world in each collection.
Under her leadership, the maison's Cruise presentations moved to Seville or Kyoto in search of local artisans willing to enrich Dior's history. With her at the helm, the house was enveloped in a rebellious and robust aura, ready to defend women through technical exploration and historical research. Chiuri transformed Dior's accessories line: it became omnipresent on wish lists. The Saddle bag was resurrected under her guidance, and the cotton totes trotted on the asphalt and sand. The We Should All Be Feminists t-shirt, inspired by the work of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and the use of the black-white-red color trio sealed her tenure at the brand. Chiuri signed off on a thoughtful and ambitious fashion, generous and open to art, attentive to what runs through a woman's skin. She sketched and defended her spirit on the body.
Before taking on the creative direction of Dior - the first woman to lead its workshops - Maria Grazia Chiuri had a 17-year career at Valentino, eight of which were spent leading the brand's design alongside Pierpaolo Piccioli, whom she met at the Istituto Europeo di Design in Rome through a mutual friend. In 1989, their names came together for the first time on a contract. She had invited him to join her team: Fendi's Accessories department. "I return to Fendi with honor and joy, having had the privilege of starting my career under the guidance of the maison's founders, the five sisters," writes the creative director. "The house has always been a talent workshop and a starting point for many creatives in the industry, thanks to the extraordinary ability of these five women to foster and nurture generations of vision and skill."
In recognition of her career, in July 2019, the French government awarded her the Legion of Honor, the country's highest civil tribute. Now she returns to her homeland to continue enriching the history of fashion and craftsmanship.