Fendi Creative Director Silvia Venturini Fendi Steps Down

Fendi announced yesterday that, from October 1st, Silvia Venturini Fendi is stepping down as Creative Director and taking on the position of Honorary President. A new creative configuration will be announced in due time.

Silvia Venturini Fendi represents the third generation of the Fendi family, founder of the historical Roman Maison. She helmed the label’s accessories and menswear lines since 1994 — including working closely with the late Karl Lagerfeld, its womenswear creative director for 54 years. Venturini Fendi added the womenswear collections to her responsibilities for two seasons following Karl Lagerfeld’s death, and again in 2025 — the brand’s centennial year — following the exit of Kim Jones.

“These have been truly exciting years, a journey I have walked also in the name of my grandmother Adele, my mother Anna, and her sisters. My heart turns to Karl, an extraordinary master who granted me the honor of working by his side, teaching me the art of sharing, a defining quality in my family’s history of women, while guiding me to nurture and protect my own creative vision so that I could then fly on my own,” says Silvia Venturini Fendi in an official statement. “What a wonderful journey it has been, not only creatively but also from a human perspective: first through my bond with Karl Lagerfeld, then with Kim Jones and last but not least with my fantastic team, which over the years has become part of my family.”

In her new capacity, Silvia Venturini Fendi will focus on supporting Fendi’s heritage while continuing to champion the fashion brand and promoting the Maison’s rich history, craftsmanship, and the world of Fendi Casa. Her successor will be announced shortly.

“Since 1992, Silvia has greatly contributed to shape Fendi’s creative direction and has been pivotal to the brand’s international success. Her vision has guided Fendi from its Roman artisanal roots into the future, culminating in the celebration of the House’s 100-year anniversary. I am thrilled to see the new projects that Silvia will lead in her new position, contributing not only to Fendi’s legacy and values but the world of Design and Craftsmanship around the world,” states Ramon Ros, Chairman and CEO of Fendi.

Silvia Venturini Fendi’s legacy at Fendi

Silvia Venturini Fendi has been an instrumental force in shaping the trajectory of Fendi, the iconic Italian fashion house founded by her grandparents in 1925. Joining the family business in the early 1990s, she collaborated closely with Karl Lagerfeld, Fendi’s creative director since 1965. Together, they combined Roman heritage craftsmanship with contemporary design.

Venturini Fendi’s significant contributions include the creation of the Baguette in 1997, a design that became a cultural phenomenon. In 1992, she launched the Fendissime diffusion line, which expanded Fendi’s reach into ready-to-wear. Following Lagerfeld’s passing in 2019, Venturini Fendi took on greater creative responsibilities, overseeing the men’s and accessories collections, and later the women’s collections, steering the luxury brand through pivotal transitions.

The ‘Hand-in-Hand’ initiative launched in 2020 showcased Fendi’s commitment to global artistry by collaborating with artisans worldwide to redesign the Baguette bag, incorporating diverse cultural elements into its design. In 2021, the luxury brand partnered with Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS, resulting in a collection that merged Fendi’s high fashion with SKIMS’ contemporary loungewear, appealing to a broader audience.

In 2025, as Fendi celebrated its 100th anniversary, Venturini Fendi presented a co-ed Spring Summer 2026 collection during Milan Fashion Week. Models walked down a pixelated runway in relaxed yet romantic ensembles, with standout pieces like tiered fishtail skirts and organza-collared bomber jackets. Accessories, including the reimagined Peekaboo bag embellished with sequins and floral beading, showcased the brand’s commitment to innovation. This collection marked a significant milestone in Fendi’s legacy, combining tradition with modernity.

After decades of shaping Fendi’s creative direction, Silvia Venturini Fendi has stepped down from her role as creative director, transitioning to the position of honorary president. This move signifies a new chapter for the luxury brand. Her legacy is deeply embedded in Fendi’s identity, one of family tradition, artisanal craftsmanship, and innovative design.