Late in September, while the fashion world was knee-deep in one of the most important fashion seasons in recent history, Fendi announced that Silvia Venturini Fendi would be stepping down from her role as Creative Director of the storied Roman House.
Venturini Fendi, a third-generation Fendi, co-creative directed alongside Karl Lagerfeld from 1992 until his death in 2019. Her role varied throughout the years, taking over responsibility for the Accessories and Menswear lines in 1994, and more recently, for womenswear following Kim Jones’ exit.
While Venturini Fendi leaves behind an incredible creative tenure, she’s not departing Fendi entirely. Earlier this month, on the heels of a standout show for Spring 2026, her appointment as Honorary President of the Roman House began, a position designed to champion Fendi’s rich heritage and world-renowned craft.
A New Chapter Begins as Fendi Welcomes Maria Grazia Chiuri Back to Rome
Now, just two weeks after Venturini Fendi departed from the helm, another Roman designer has been announced as her successor. Yesterday, Fendi confirmed the appointment of Maria Grazia Chiuri as Chief Creative Officer, having last served as Dior’s creative director for nine years.
Grazia Chiuri, whose tenure at Dior was marked by her steadfast commitment to female empowerment, is no stranger to Fendi’s history and distinct DNA. In the 1990s, she worked for a decade as an accessories designer. In fact, she helped lead the development of the now iconic Fendi Baguette.
A Debut Coming Next Winter
“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,” a statement from Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, read in part.
Maria Grazia Chiuri will present her first collection for Fendi at Milan Fashion Week next February for the Fall 2026 season.
