Fendi has announced the appointment of Maria Grazia Chiuri as its new Chief Creative Officer, marking a significant new chapter in the House’s storied history.
Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, expressed his enthusiasm for Chiuri’s homecoming, noting her ability to shape culture and push fashion into bold new territories. “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,” he said, emphasising her role in carrying forward the House’s unique legacy.
Chiuri herself reflected on the deep personal resonance of this appointment, recalling how her career began under the guidance of Fendi’s founding sisters. “I return to Fendi with honour and joy,” she shared, describing the House as “a forge of talents and a starting point for many creatives in the industry.”
When will Maria Grazia Chiuri's first Fendi collection debut?
The Italian designer, long celebrated for her ability to blend heritage with a forward-looking perspective, will debut her first collection for the brand with FENDI Fall/Winter 2026–2027, set to be unveiled in Milan next February.
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Chiuri brings with her one of the most influential resumes in modern fashion. She began her career at Fendi in the late 1980s, notably contributing to the iconic Baguette bag, before moving to Valentino where she and Pierpaolo Piccioli established a romantic yet sharp aesthetic that redefined the House.
In 2016, Chiuri made history as the first female Creative Director of Dior, where she introduced a powerful, socially conscious vision. Her collections frequently fused couture craftsmanship with political resonance – placing feminism and female identity at the centre of her work. From the “We Should All Be Feminists” t-shirt to her reinterpretation of Dior’s codes through inclusivity and activism, she transformed the Parisian House into a cultural touchstone as much as a fashion leader.
Now, as she returns to Fendi, Chiuri’s journey comes full circle. Her deep connection to the House, paired with her renowned ability to marry tradition with innovation, sets the stage for an exciting new era. With anticipation already building for her Milan debut, her appointment feels less like a shift and more like a homecoming – a promise of continuity, renewal, and the enduring power of Fendi’s Roman spirit.
