LVMH’s Period of Change Continues as Jones Exits Fendi, but Remains at Dior
LVMH announced that Kim Jones is stepping down from his position as artistic director of Fendi, where he has overseen women’s haute couture, ready-to-wear, and fur collections since 2020. Jones will continue his work as the artistic director of Dior Men’s, a role he has held since 2018.
The news follows a period of significant change within LVMH, which recently saw Hedi Slimane exit Celine, with Michael Rider named as his successor. In addition, the group has been involved in several strategic moves, including the sale of Off-White to Bluestar Alliance and the acquisition of Paris Match.
During his tenure, Jones brought a fresh perspective to Fendi, infusing the Roman house’s legacy with his own cross-cultural style. “Kim Jones made significant contributions to the brand’s creative legacy, seamlessly integrating his modern and cross-cultural aesthetics with Fendi’s historical heritage,” LVMH noted in a statement. Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH, praised Jones as “a highly talented designer who has brought his unique and multicultural vision to Fendi over the past four years.”
Jones’ departure comes amid broader shifts in the luxury industry as brands address changing market demands. Market sources indicate that several high-profile contracts across LVMH are set to expire in the coming months, adding to speculation about further changes. Fendi has yet to announce a successor, saying only that a new creative organization would be revealed “in due time.”
Insider sources have speculated that Jones’ departure from Fendi may anticipate an increased role at Dior, with the designer potentially also taking on design responsibilities for the house’s womenswear, which is currently led by creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri. Nonetheless, LVMH and Jones have yet to reveal details about his future at Dior, other than confirming that he will stay with the menswear arm of the house.
Under Jones, Fendi engaged in various collaborations, including high-profile partnerships with Marc Jacobs and Tiffany & Co., as well as the “Fendace” collection with Versace. He also scaled back Fendi’s use of fur, focusing instead on recycled alternatives, and worked closely with Silvia Venturini Fendi and her daughter Delfina Delettrez Fendi, who continues as the brand’s jewelry creative director.
LVMH’s announcement of Jones’ exit follows the appointment of Pierre-Emmanuel Angeloglou as CEO of Fendi earlier this year. As the company undergoes these changes, it remains to be seen how Fendi’s creative direction will evolve and who will be chosen to lead it into its next chapter.
