Maria Grazia Chiuri is Leaving Dior

The creative director has led the brand since 2016.

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Maria Grazia Chiuri is resigning from her position at Dior, having led the French fashion business for almost ten years.

Today, the maison revealed that Grazia Chiuri has chosen to resign from her position as creative director, where she managed women's ready-to-wear, haute couture, and accessories.

The announcement follows closely to Dior's 2026 boat show in Rome, serving as a significant farewell for Grazia Chiuri, as it was the inaugural occasion she hosted a show in her hometown during her career at the fashion company.

Getty Images/ Maria Grazia Chiuri at the Dior Cruise 2026 presentation

Grazia Chiuri became Dior's inaugural female creative director in 2016, succeeding Raf Simons, the brand's former creative director. Before her tenure at Dior, she dedicated 17 years to Valentino, including eight years leading the design team alongside co-collaborator Pierpaolo Piccioli. Following her exit, Piccioli remained the exclusive creative director until his resignation in 2024.

In a statement issued today, Grazia Chiuri remarked, "After nine years, I am departing from Dior, pleased to have received this remarkable opportunity." I wish to express my gratitude to Monsieur Arnault for his trust in me and to Delphine for her assistance. I am very appreciative of the efforts undertaken by my teams and the Ateliers. Their skill and proficiency enabled me to actualize my idea of dedicated women’s design, in close collaboration with multiple generations of female artists. We have collaboratively authored a significant chapter of which I am exceedingly proud.

Getty Images/ Maria Grazia Chiuri during the Christian Dior Couture Spring 2024 exhibition

While at Dior, Grazia Chiuri gained recognition for her timeless, sophisticated style, her slogan T-shirts featuring feminist messages, and her successful revival of iconic house pieces like the Dior Saddle. In 2019, she received the Légion d’honneur, the highest distinction in France.

Grazia Chiuri's exit from Dior coincides with Kim Jones' resignation as creative head of menswear at the luxury brand, announced in January of this year. The confirmation of her successor remains pending.