As Silvia Venturini Fendi steps into an honorary role, Fendi honors her legacy – and hints at a forthcoming creative reorganization.
Fendi is entering a new chapter. Starting October 1st, Silvia Venturini Fendi will step into the role of Honorary President, closing a major creative chapter and deepening her focus on the house’s heritage, craftsmanship, and Fendi Casa. The transition follows her creative direction of the women’s collections during Fendi’s centennial year, and marks the next step in a legacy that spans over three decades.
Venturini Fendi, a third-generation member of the founding family, joined the maison in 1992 to support Karl Lagerfeld in artistic direction. Over the years, she has played a defining role across accessories, menswear, and—most recently—women’s ready-to-wear. Her signature is visible across many of Fendi’s most iconic products, from the Baguette to the Peekaboo, and her steady leadership helped guide the house through periods of creative evolution, including Lagerfeld’s passing and Kim Jones’s departure last year.
“These have been truly exciting years,” she said in the announcement. “A journey I have walked also in the name of my grandmother Adele, my mother Anna, and her sisters.” Reflecting on her tenure, she paid tribute to Lagerfeld, calling him “an extraordinary master who granted me the honor of working by his side.”
Ramon Ros, Chairman and CEO of Fendi, acknowledged the moment as a turning point for the house. “Silvia has greatly contributed to shape Fendi’s creative direction and has been pivotal to the brand’s international success,” he said. “Her vision has guided Fendi from its Roman artisanal roots into the future.”
While the house has not confirmed its next creative leader, it has stated that a new creative organization “will be announced in due time.” Industry sources continue to speculate about potential successors, including Francesco Risso, Maria Grazia Chiuri, and Willy Chavarria—all rumored to be in talks with the Rome-based house.
The announcement comes amid broader leadership changes at LVMH. Fendi’s new CEO, Ramon Ros, joined the house on July 1st following his role as CEO of Louis Vuitton Mainland China. He replaces Pierre-Emmanuel Angeloglou, who recently moved to Dior.
Key Takeaways
- Silvia Venturini Fendi has been named Honorary President of Fendi, stepping away from her creative roles.
- Her new focus will include supporting heritage, craftsmanship, and Fendi Casa.
- Venturini Fendi represents the third generation of the Fendi family and has shaped the house since 1992, including through collaborations with Karl Lagerfeld and Kim Jones.
- No new creative director has been confirmed, though speculation surrounds Francesco Risso, Maria Grazia Chiuri, and Willy Chavarria.
- CEO Ramon Ros praised her legacy and hinted at upcoming projects tied to the brand’s global design and craft identity.