Maria Grazia Chiuri has officially announced her departure from Dior after an impactful nine-year tenure.
The revelation followed closely on the heels of the maison’s recent cruise show in Rome, which many observers noted felt like a poignant tribute to her journey at the iconic fashion house. The event unfolded gracefully in Chiuri’s home city—a fitting backdrop for what many recognized as a quietly reserved finale, warmly embraced by fans.
Chiuri’s exit from Dior is not merely a headline; it marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in fashion history. Chiuri was one of the few female designers commanding a major luxury house, and notably, she was the first woman to ever take the helm of Dior. Her departure has elicited mixed emotions among fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals, as speculation mounted since December regarding her future.
While the runway and red carpet will undoubtedly miss her visionary designs, Chiuri leaves behind a legacy of empowerment, sophistication, and groundbreaking creativity. As whispers of a potential successor fill the air—most pointedly the appointment of former Loewe creative director Jonathan Anderson to Dior Men—the fashion world is poised for a transformative shift.
Getty Images Dior 2025 haute couture show in Paris.
Maria Grazia Chiuri’s journey in the fashion industry began in her childhood, steeped in creativity and style against the backdrop of a military family and a seamstress mother. Her early exposure to clothing ateliers ignited a passion that led her to complete fashion school and eventually forge a nearly three-decade-long collaborative relationship with Pierpaolo Piccioli. Together, they created magic at Fendi, birthing the iconic Baguette bag, before transitioning to Valentino, where they flourished as co-creative directors.
In 2016, Chiuri embarked on her own journey at Dior, bringing her unique vision to the house. Her tenure was marked by bold statements and powerful motifs that resonated with women worldwide, often challenging traditional norms and fostering inclusivity within fashion.
She garnered huge attention for her slogan T-shirts that bore feminist mantras, showcasing her commitment to empowering women through fashion. Additionally, her successful revival of house icons such as the Dior Saddle exemplified her ability to merge the brand’s rich history with modern relevance. Her contributions were recognized in 2019 when she was awarded the Légion d’honneur, France’s highest honor, solidifying her influence in the fashion industry.
Penske Media//Getty Images Dior Spring 2017
In her heartfelt farewell statement, Chiuri expressed gratitude for the remarkable opportunity she had at Dior:
After nine years, I am leaving Dior, delighted to have been given this extraordinary opportunity. I would like to thank Monsieur Arnault for placing his trust in me and Delphine for her support. I am particularly grateful for the work accomplished by my teams and the Ateliers. Their talent and expertise allowed me to realise my vision of committed women’s fashion, in close dialogue with several generations of female artists. Together, we have written an impactful chapter of which I am immensely proud.
Chiuri’s departure coincides with Kim Jones stepping down as the creative director of menswear at Dior, which was announced earlier this year. As the fashion world anticipates a new direction for the luxury house, the appointment of Chiuri’s successor is still pending.
