After nearly a decade of redefining Marni’s creative identity, Francesco Risso is stepping down from his role as creative director. Since joining the Italian fashion house in 2016, Risso has infused Marni with a bold, expressive energy that challenged convention and elevated the brand’s artistic voice.
Known for his avant-garde silhouettes, fearless use of color, and emotionally driven collections, he helped steer Marni through a transformative era, even as the fashion world shifted toward minimalist “quiet luxury.” Under his leadership, Marni became a haven for experimentation and individuality. His departure marks the end of an era—and sets the stage for a new chapter, both for the designer and for the house he helped reshape.
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A Visionary Departure
“Francesco has embraced the spirit and the values of the house, and together with the team brought them to new grounds, building the foundations for a new and exciting chapter of Marni,” said Renzo Rosso, chairman of OTB Group, Marni’s parent company. “Francesco is a unique designer and an artist at heart, and I wish him only the best for the future.”
Risso joined Marni in 2016 after honing his skills at Prada, where he cultivated a sharp sensibility that would go on to shape his distinct creative direction. During his tenure at Marni, he carved out an artistic and expressive aesthetic that stood in contrast to the prevailing mood of quiet luxury. His designs often celebrated individuality, emotion, and experimentation—hallmarks of a brand reinvigorated under his leadership.
A Lasting Legacy
His final collection for Fall 2024 was a poetic tribute to the artistic process—exploring themes of the blank canvas and the tactile richness of impasto painting, where thick layers of paint create vivid, textured surfaces. It served as a fitting coda to his time at the house: bold, imaginative, and deeply personal.
“I will always be grateful to Renzo for believing in me, for giving me the front seat on a journey that became more than I could have imagined,” Risso reflected. “Marni has been a studio, a stage, a dream. It carried color, instinct, care, and gave space for people to be themselves. It taught me how to build with feeling, and how powerful true collaboration can be.”
Broader Shifts at OTB
Risso’s exit is part of a broader creative evolution within OTB Group. In the coming weeks, Glenn Martens will unveil his debut couture collection for Maison Margiela, while Simone Bellotti prepares to present his first collection for Jil Sander this September. These moves signal a dynamic new phase for the group’s fashion portfolio, as new voices take the stage across the upcoming couture and ready-to-wear seasons.
As Marni prepares for its next chapter, the industry will be watching closely to see who steps in—and how they will carry forward Risso’s bold artistic legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Francesco Risso join Marni?
Risso was appointed creative director of Marni in 2016.
Why is Francesco Risso leaving Marni?
While no specific reason was disclosed, his departure comes at a time of broader creative changes within Marni’s parent company, OTB Group. Both Risso and OTB expressed mutual appreciation and respect in their official statements.
What is Francesco Risso known for at Marni?
Risso is celebrated for his avant-garde approach, bold use of color, and a deeply artistic vision that redefined Marni’s identity during his tenure.
What was his final collection for Marni?
His Fall 2024 collection, inspired by the concept of a blank canvas and impasto painting techniques, was his last for the brand.
Who will replace Francesco Risso at Marni?
As of now, Marni has not officially announced his successor.
Conclusion
Francesco Risso’s departure from Marni marks the close of a bold and imaginative era for the Italian fashion house. Over nearly a decade, he redefined the brand’s creative DNA with his boundary-pushing vision, emotional storytelling, and unapologetic embrace of artistic expression.
As Marni prepares to enter a new chapter, the impact of Risso’s tenure will undoubtedly continue to influence its aesthetic legacy. While his next move remains unknown, his farewell hints at future creative ventures that are sure to be as unconventional and compelling as his work at Marni. The fashion world now watches with anticipation—for both Marni’s evolution and Risso’s next act.