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The transfer market for luxury artistic directors is not over yet.<\/p>\n
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While Paris Fashion Week, which runs from September 29 to October 7, will be punctuated by numerous showcases from the new designers in charge of the biggest fashion houses, Fendi is<\/b> also in the midst of an artistic aggiornamento.<\/b><\/p>\n
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The Italian fashion house, owned by LVMH, which just held its show in Milan on September 24, announced that Silvia Venturini Fendi, 64, is stepping down as creative director effective October 1 to become Honorary President.<\/p>\n
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But the suspense remains. The Roman fashion house, which celebrated its centenary last February with a sumptuous fall\/winter 2025-26 fashion show designed by Silvia, has revealed that the new creative direction will be unveiled \u201cin due course.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Silvia Venturini Fendi<\/b> had been in charge of Fendi’s menswear and accessories collections since 1994<\/b>. She further expanded her remit at the end of 2024<\/b> following the departure (to Dior) of Kim Jones<\/b>, taking over the womenswear<\/b> division.<\/p>\n
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Silvia Venturini Fendi was the right-hand woman of Karl Lagerfeld,<\/b> Fendi’s women’s and couture creative director from 1992 to 2019. In 1997, she had a stroke of creative genius when she designed the baguette bag<\/b>, carried under the arm like the famous French bread.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWhat a wonderful adventure it has been, not only creatively, but also on a human level: first thanks to my relationship with Karl Lagerfeld, then with Kim Jones, and finally with my fantastic team, who over the years have become an integral part of my family,\u201d she said in a statement.<\/p>\n
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She added that after \u201cthese truly exciting years\u201d and \u201ca journey accomplished in the name of her grandmother Adele, her mother Anna, and her sisters,\u201d her \u201cheart turns to Karl, an extraordinary master\u201d who gave her \u201cthe honor of working by his side,\u201d teaching her “the art of sharing, a defining quality in the history of the women\u201c in her family, while \u201dguiding her to nurture and protect\u201c her \u201down creative vision\u201c so that she could then fly on her own.\u201d<\/p>\n
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After two seasons as super creative director<\/b>, in charge of the entire Fendi universe, she is turning the page, giving way to one or more designers.<\/p>\n
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In her new role, Silvia Venturini Fendi will be responsible for preserving the Fendi legacy, while \u201ccontinuing to champion the brand worldwide and promote the rich history of the house, its exceptional craftsmanship, and the Fendi Casa universe,\u201d the House explained in a statement.<\/p>\n
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Ramon Ros<\/b>, who has been CEO of Fendi since July 1<\/b>, said he was \u201cdelighted to discover the new projects that Silvia will lead in her new role, contributing not only to Fendi’s heritage and values, but also to the world of design and craftsmanship around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Mainland China also praised the pivotal career<\/b> within the iconic Italian fashion house of one of the five granddaughters of the founders, Ad\u00e8le and Eduardo Fendi.<\/b><\/p>\n
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\u201cSince 1992, Silvia has greatly contributed to shaping the creative direction of Fendi and has played an essential role in the brand’s international success. Her vision has guided Fendi from its Roman artisan roots into the future, culminating in the celebration of the house’s centenary,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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Now it remains to find the rare gem or gems<\/b> who will be able to take over with the same brilliance and respect for the family business’s DNA…<\/p>\n
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