Maria Grazia Chiuri and the new creative director of Fendi, the historic Roman maison part of the LVMH group, and will present its first Fall/Winter 2026-2027 collection during Milan Fashion Week next February. The appointment marks a significant return: Chiuri began her career at Fendi in 1989, participating in the design of the famous Baguette bag, a symbol of an era and an icon of Italian fashion.
Chiuri named new creative director: a new chapter for Fendi
The announcement comes after Silvia Venturini Fendi's exit, who, after having led the creative direction of the brand following the departure of Kim Jones (in charge from 2020 to October 2024), has left his operational role to take on, from 1 October 2025, the honorary presidency of the brand. With Chiuri, the Roman fashion house aims for a relaunch that combines heritage, craftsmanship, and a contemporary vision, key elements in the designer's journey.
Fendi, founded in 1925, since 2001 is part of the “Fashion & Leather Goods” division of the French group lvmh by Bernard Arnault, who in recent years has strengthened his strategy in the couture and accessories segment, enhancing Italian tradition through a global perspective.
Who is Maria Grazia Chiuri?
After her debut at Fendi, Maria Grazia Chiuri has built an extraordinary career among Valentino e Dior, becoming one of the most influential figures in the international fashion system.
In 1999 she was called by Valentino Garavani, where, together with Pierpaolo Piccioli, ushered in a new era for the Roman fashion house, curating the Red Valentino line and subsequently taking over the creative direction of the entire brand. In 2015, the two designers received the prestigious CFDA International Award.
In 2016, Chiuri made history as the first female creative director of Dior, where she brought a strong message of female empowerment, blending art, craftsmanship, and social commitment. Her famous "We Should All Be Feminists" t-shirt, inspired by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's essay, became a symbol of her ethical and contemporary vision of fashion.
During her years at Dior, she collaborated with artists such as Judy Chicago and the Chanakya School of Craft, promoting the value of artisan hands and feminine knowledge.
Comments
“Maria Grazia Chiuri – said Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of the LVMH Group – is one of the greatest creative talents in fashion today and I am delighted that he has chosen to return to Fendi to continue expressing his creativity within the LVMH Group, after sharing his bold vision of fashion.”
“I'm thrilled,” he declared. Ramon Ros, Chairman and CEO of the LVMH group company – to welcome Maria Grazia to the team”.
"It is with honor and joy that I return to Fendi today, where I had the privilege of training under the guidance of the founders, the five sisters. This place has been a hotbed of talent and the starting point for many creatives, thanks to the extraordinary ability of these five women to nurture generations of vision and expertise," he said. Close.
