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In an exciting development for the fashion industry, Maria Grazia Chiuri is rejoining Fendi as Chief Creative Officer, bringing her extensive experience and enthusiasm. With deep ties to the vibrant culture of Rome, she aims to create a new story for the iconic brand founded by women.
“I return to Fendi with great honor and joy, having had the privilege of starting my career under the mentorship of the house’s founders, the five sisters. Fendi has always been a breeding ground for talent and a launchpad for many creatives in the industry, thanks to the remarkable ability of these five women to cultivate and guide generations of vision and skill. I am thankful to Mr. Arnault for trusting me with the opportunity to help craft a new chapter in the history of this exceptional women-founded company,” Chiuri stated.
Chiuri’s new position aligns perfectly with her recent move back to Rome after leaving Dior. In her new surroundings, she has taken on various projects, including the restoration of the historic Teatro Della Cometa.
Her career began at Fendi, where she worked alongside Pierpaolo Piccioli before transitioning to Valentino in 1999. In 2008, following Valentino Garavani’s retirement, Chiuri and Piccioli became co-creative directors, guiding the house to significant success for seven years until she joined Dior in 2016, marking a pivotal moment as the brand’s first female lead designer.
At Dior, Chiuri transformed the women’s line, advocating for a bold feminist vision. Her debut Spring/Summer 2017 collection famously featured the “We should all be feminists” T-shirts, and she collaborated with prominent female artists like Judy Chicago and Faith Ringgold to enhance the brand’s narrative. Her leadership also led to a remarkable increase in Dior’s sales, soaring from €2.2 billion in 2017 to an impressive €9.5 billion in 2023.
Now, as she returns to her roots, Chiuri is set to combine her extensive expertise with the rich legacy of Fendi, promising an exciting future for the brand.
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