When Karl Lagerfeld passed away in February last year, his successor at Chanel was almost immediately named (Virginie Viard, his longtime right hand there). But things have moved a bit slower at Fendi, where he oversaw womenswear and fur for over 50 years. Silvia Venturini Fendi, the lone family member left at the Roman house, where she was responsible for men’s and accessories, had been taking over in the interim.
Now, after more than a year of searching, the bosses at LVMH (which own Fendi and Dior, among others) have finally reached a decision. Kim Jones, the artistic director of Dior Men, has been named artistic director of women’s collections for Fendi where will he design across ready-to-wear, haute couture and fur. He will continue to head Dior’s menswear line.
Jones, who comes primarily from a menswear background at Louis Vuitton and now Dior Men, will debut his first collection for Fendi during Milan Fashion Week next February. It’s one of the rare instances where a designer will have the helm over two different luxury megabrands, in the same way Lagerfeld designed for Chanel, Fendi and his own brand.
FENDI is delighted to welcome Kim Jones as Artistic Director of women’s collections.
Silvia Venturini Fendi will continue as Artistic Director of accessories and menswear collections.
