Fendi has announced the return of Maria Grazia Chiuri as its new Chief Creative Officer. This significant appointment brings the acclaimed designer back to the luxury fashion house where she launched her career, notably contributing to the iconic Baguette bag. Her inaugural collection is slated for the Fall 2026 season, promising to infuse the brand with her distinctive blend of strong, romantic silhouettes and a profound appreciation for craft and storytelling. Industry leaders, including LVMH Group Chairman Bernard Arnault, have lauded Chiuri's exceptional talent, while Fendi Chairman and CEO Ramon Ros emphasized the modern creative director's role in shaping culture and reflecting contemporary society. Chiuri herself expressed her honor and joy at rejoining Fendi, a house she credits for fostering generations of creative talent, particularly under the guidance of its five founding sisters. Her return is poised to open a new chapter for the women-founded company, building on her successful tenure at Dior where she significantly transformed the brand with her feminist perspective and strong commercial impact.
Maria Grazia Chiuri Re-joins Fendi as Chief Creative Officer, Set to Debut Fall 2026 Collection
In a highly anticipated announcement on [specific date of announcement, though not explicitly stated, can be inferred as 'today' from original text], the esteemed Italian luxury fashion house Fendi officially named Maria Grazia Chiuri as its new Chief Creative Officer. This marks a pivotal moment for both the designer and the brand, as Chiuri is set to present her inaugural collection for the Fall 2026 season in the fashion capital of Milan this coming February.
The fashion world had been abuzz with speculation regarding who would fill the prestigious position at Fendi, left vacant since Kim Jones' departure in January of the current year. The news of Chiuri's appointment has been met with widespread acclaim, not only for bringing a celebrated female creative director to lead the house but also because it signifies a profound homecoming. Chiuri's journey in fashion notably commenced at Fendi, where she played a crucial role in designing handbags and contributed to the creation of the now-legendary Baguette bag.
Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH Group, lauded Chiuri's return, stating, "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, after sharing her bold vision of fashion." Ramon Ros, Fendi's Chairman and CEO, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the modern creative director's role extends beyond mere design to curating culture and reflecting the contemporary world.
Chiuri's previous nine-year tenure at Dior saw her revolutionize the house with her distinct vision, characterized by powerful yet romantic silhouettes, a clear feminist sensibility, and commercially successful items like the canvas book totes. She was instrumental in engaging new audiences through artist collaborations and integrated craft and storytelling into Dior's core narrative. Her design philosophy centers on creating comfortable yet elegant clothing for women, meticulously tailored with exquisite details.
Expressing her personal sentiments on the appointment, Chiuri shared, "I return to Fendi with honor and joy, having had the privilege of beginning my career under the guidance of the House's founders, the five sisters." She further acknowledged Fendi's legacy as "a forge of talents and a starting point for many creatives in the industry," attributing this to the "extraordinary ability of these five women to foster and nurture generations of vision and skill." Chiuri concluded by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to "write a new chapter in the history of this extraordinary women-founded company," solidifying her emotional connection to the brand's rich heritage.
Maria Grazia Chiuri's return to Fendi is more than just a personnel change; it represents a powerful affirmation of continuity and innovation within the luxury fashion landscape. Her deep-rooted connection to the brand, coupled with her proven track record of artistic and commercial success, promises an exciting future for Fendi. This appointment underscores the importance of a creative director who not only understands the brand's heritage but also possesses the foresight to steer it into new, culturally resonant directions. It's a reminder that true talent often finds its way back to its origins, enriching both the individual and the institution with renewed purpose and vision.