It has been officially announced that Maria Grazia Chiuri, the artistic director in charge of Dior’s womenswear, has made the decision to step down from her position. Chiuri, who joined Dior in 2016 after working at Valentino, has had a significant impact on the brand during her nine-year tenure.
Under Chiuri’s leadership, Dior saw a substantial increase in sales, quadrupling from €2.2bn in 2017 to €9bn in 2023. She brought a commercial touch to the brand, offering wearable collections that catered to the modern woman’s lifestyle, from day to night, work to travel, and even sport. Chiuri also diversified the label’s handbag offerings, moving away from the traditional Lady Dior handbag to include popular styles like the Book Tote and the Bobby Camera Bag.
Despite her successful run, Dior has faced challenges due to a downturn in luxury demand, prompting Chiuri to step down. In her statement, she expressed gratitude for her teams and the ateliers, crediting them for helping her realize her vision of committed women’s fashion. Chiuri’s successor is rumored to be Jonathan Anderson, the former creative director of Loewe, who will debut as the artistic director of Dior’s menswear line during Paris Fashion Week on June 27th.
Chiuri’s tenure at Dior was characterized by elaborate runway shows staged in locations around the world, celebrating global craftsmanship and promoting messages of femininity and female empowerment. Her shows often featured collaborations with artists and highlighted themes of consent and female empowerment. Chiuri’s departure marks the end of an era at Dior, but her impact on the brand and the fashion industry as a whole will be remembered for years to come.
