Kim Jones is parting ways with Fendi, for which he served as Creative Director for four years.
As Fashionista reports, Jones was first tapped as the late Karl Lagerfeld’s successor in 2020, helming the Maison’s haute couture, ready-to-wear and fur collections for women. Jones’ collaborator, Silvia Venturini Fendi, will remain overseeing accessories, men’s and childrenswear.
Per a press release, “Kim Jones made significant contributions to the brand’s creative legacy, seamlessly integrating his modern and cross-cultural aesthetics with Fendi’s historical heritage. Under his leadership, the Maison reinvented its ready-to-wear and couture collections, offering an inclusive and innovative approach to fashion that constantly renewed Fendi’s Italian codes.”
Fendi’s Spring 2025 collection, shown on the runway in Milan in September, is officially Jones’ last for the brand. Having closed the chapter on his Fendi stint, Jones will “fully concentrate” on his title of artistic director at Dior Homme (a role he’s held since 2018). He previously spent seven year as artistic director of Louis Vuitton Men’s line.
“Kim Jones is a highly talented designer who has brought his unique and multicultural vision to Fendi over the past four years. I would like to thank him for his contribution and look forward to continuing to witness his creativity at Dior Men’s,” said Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH, in a statement.
Jones’ departure comes amid an industry-wide game of creative director musical chairs. Most recently, Filippo Grazioli exited Missoni, Michael Rider replaced Hedi Slimane at Celine, Glenn Martens left Y/Project and Sarah Burton joined Givenchy. While there’s no news on who will succeed Jones, it is rumored that the Italian house has its eyes on Pierpaolo Piccioli, who parted ways with Valentino in March.
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