The fashion world once again turns its spotlight on Rome. The news that Maria Grazia Chiuri is taking over as Creative Director of Fendi not only shakes the industry but also marks a return to its roots.

Maria Grazia Chiuri was born in Rome, the very city where Fendi was founded, and her career began there in the 1990s, when she worked alongside Silvia Venturini Fendi on accessory design. That early stage shaped her vision and instilled in her a deep appreciation for detail, understated luxury, and the reverence for Italian craftsmanship.

Her talent led her to Valentino, where, together with Pierpaolo Piccioli, she formed one of the most admired creative duos in fashion. At Valentino, Chiuri explored romantic beauty with a sense of timeless femininity, blending color, texture, and emotion into a visual language that is both delicate and powerful.

In 2016, she made the leap to Dior, becoming the first woman Creative Director in the history of the French maison. Since then, she has redefined femininity in the 21st century, championing a narrative that connects fashion with social reflection, empowerment, and emotional intelligence.

With this appointment, Fendi not only welcomes back a designer who was once part of its team in the 1990s but also seeks to establish a creative balance across its different lines. Kim Jones will continue to lead the men’s and haute couture collections, while Chiuri will take charge of the women’s division.

With this new duo at the helm, the Roman maison embarks on a strategic renewal aimed at strengthening its position in the global market. Maria Grazia Chiuri is expected to present her first collection for Fendi during Milan Fashion Week in February 2026, a key event that could define the aesthetic direction of the maison in the years to come.

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