Maria Grazia Chiuri exits Dior, “Age of Change in Paris Fashion Behemoth”

Paris – Maria Grazia Chiuri, the first ever woman to lead the Dior women’s series, announced Thursday that she will step down as creative director after nine years of working at the French legendary French fashion house.

The Italian designer confirmed her departure in an Instagram post, capping an era of change defined by a bold feminist passport, record sales and industry-defined collection.

Chiuri, 60, has left a legacy, reshaping Dior’s creativity and expanding its global appeal. Since its arrival in 2016, she has led Dior into the golden age of commercial and cultural success. Revenues have reportedly increased by nearly $8 billion from 2017 to 2023 as Chiuri’s vision of empowering femininity for a new generation of customers resonated.

“I am particularly grateful for the work done by my team and the studio. Their talent and expertise have enabled me to have a close conversation with generations of female artists, which has enabled me to realize my vision of faithful women's fashion.”

Chiuri “redefines Dior woman’s identity and femininity and celebrates and reimagines the iconic legacy and Savoir-Faire,” the Fashion House said.

LVMH executive Delphine Arnault thanked Chiuri for her “huge work”, who said she has “inspiring feminist perspectives and excellent creativity, both filled with the spirit of Mr. Dior.”

Arnault added that Chiuri designed “a highly desirable collection (and) written a key chapter in Christian Dior History,” Arnault added, noting that she was the first woman to design a collection of women.

Chiuri made its debut in spring 2017, making the headline of the “We Should All Be Feminists” T-shirt, announcing a new era for Dior. She brought activism to the runway, working with artists like Judy Chicago and Faith Ringgold. She restores icons like saddle bags and makes room for women’s voices, drawing on Dior’s past while rewriting its aesthetics.

Her show spans continents from Mumbai to Kyoto, each of which celebrates crafts and communities. Chiuri's last collection is Resort 2026, which was staged in her Rome in Villa Torlonia, evoking the spirit of Italian cinema and accompanied by a film by director Matteo Garrone.

Dior has not appointed a successor yet, but speculation focuses on Jonathan Anderson, who recently took over Dior's collection of men.

Since its founding in 1947, Chiuri was the first woman to take over Dior, rewrites the rules and opens a new chapter for one of the most influential Maisons in fashion.

Her departure is part of a series of creative remodels in the large fashion house, including Pierpaolo Piccioli's recent appointment as creative director of Balenciaga. Chiuri and Piccioli are Valentino's time co-created directors.