After nearly a decade of pioneering leadership at Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri has announced her departure from the esteemed French fashion house. Since taking the reins as Creative Director in 2016, Chiuri has redefined Dior’s women’s collections, blending the brand’s rich heritage with a modern, feminist vision.
She became the first woman to hold the position at Dior, championing inclusivity and empowerment through her designs and runway presentations. Under her direction, Dior has delivered groundbreaking ready-to-wear, haute couture, and accessories that resonated with contemporary audiences worldwide.
Chiuri’s decision to step down marks the close of a transformative chapter for Dior, celebrated most recently with the poignant 2026 cruise show in her hometown of Rome. Her legacy will continue to influence fashion for years to come.
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A Historic Tenure at Dior
Maria Grazia Chiuri, the first female creative director in Dior’s illustrious history, announced her departure from the luxury house after an impactful nine-year tenure. Joining Dior in 2016, Chiuri succeeded Raf Simons and brought a fresh, visionary perspective to the brand, solidifying her place as a pioneering force in women’s fashion.
A Remarkable Career Journey
Before her time at Dior, Chiuri spent 17 years at Valentino, where she co-led the design team alongside Pierpaolo Piccioli for eight years. Following her departure from Valentino, Piccioli continued as sole creative director until his exit in 2024. Chiuri’s transition to Dior marked a significant moment, as she took the reins of one of fashion’s most revered houses.
Reflecting on Her Departure
In an official statement, Maria Grazia Chiuri expressed gratitude for her experience 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.”
Legacy and Contributions
Throughout her tenure, Chiuri was celebrated for her elegant, classic style infused with modern feminist messages. Her signature slogan T-shirts featuring empowering mantras became iconic, while she also revived beloved Dior symbols, including the Dior Saddle bag. Her contributions to fashion and culture were recognized in 2019 when she received the Légion d’honneur, France’s highest distinction.
Looking Ahead: Dior’s Future Creative Direction
Chiuri’s departure coincides with another recent leadership change at Dior, as Kim Jones stepped down from his role as creative director of menswear earlier this year. Dior has yet to announce who will succeed Chiuri as creative director, marking a new chapter for the storied fashion house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Maria Grazia Chiuri?
Maria Grazia Chiuri is an acclaimed Italian fashion designer known for being the first female creative director at Dior. She joined Dior in 2016 and has been instrumental in shaping the brand’s modern identity with a focus on feminist themes and classic elegance.
How long did Maria Grazia Chiuri work at Dior?
She worked at Dior for nine years, from 2016 until her recent departure in 2025.
What were some of Maria Grazia Chiuri’s notable contributions at Dior?
Chiuri introduced feminist slogans and motifs in her collections, revived iconic Dior pieces like the Dior Saddle bag, and emphasized a blend of classic style with modern social messages. She was also awarded the Légion d’honneur in 2019 for her cultural impact.
Why is Maria Grazia Chiuri leaving Dior?
Maria Grazia Chiuri announced her departure in a statement expressing gratitude for the opportunity and pride in her work but did not specify detailed reasons for leaving.
Who will replace Maria Grazia Chiuri as Dior’s creative director?
As of now, Dior has not announced a successor to Maria Grazia Chiuri.
Did Maria Grazia Chiuri have experience before Dior?
Yes, before joining Dior, she spent 17 years at Valentino, where she co-led the design team with Pierpaolo Piccioli.
Has Dior experienced other recent leadership changes?
Yes, Kim Jones stepped down as Dior’s menswear creative director earlier in 2025, marking multiple leadership transitions within the brand.
Conclusion
Maria Grazia Chiuri’s departure marks the end of a significant era at Dior. Over nine years, she not only broke barriers as the house’s first female creative director but also reshaped its identity by blending timeless elegance with bold, feminist narratives.
Her visionary leadership has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry and Dior’s legacy. As the luxury house prepares to welcome new creative leadership, all eyes will be on who will carry forward Chiuri’s impactful work and guide Dior into its next chapter.