Kim Jones is stepping down as the artistic director of Fendi, a role he took on in 2020. He succeeded the late Karl Lagerfeld and has been praised for bringing a unique and multicultural vision to the brand. Silvia Venturini Fendi will continue her role as the creative director of accessories, men’s, and children’s wear. Jones’s muse, Delfina Delettrez, will continue to design jewelry for the label. The news was announced by LVMH, which acquired Fendi in 1999 and became the sole owner in 2001. The brand has seen success under Jones’s leadership, with a focus on collaborations and sustainability efforts like using recycled fur alternatives.
Fendi is LVMH’s fourth largest fashion brand, with estimated revenues of €2.44 billion. Jones’s impact on the brand’s growth is difficult to measure as LVMH does not break out Fendi’s annual growth numbers. However, under his leadership, the brand has seen partnerships with notable industry players like Kim Kardashian’s Skims and Stefano Pilati. Jones also scaled back the use of fur in Fendi’s collections, opting for more sustainable alternatives. The brand appointed a new CEO, Pierre-Emmanuel Angeloglou, in June, who is also the managing director of the LVMH Fashion Group. Bernard Arnault thanked outgoing CEO Serge Brunschwig for overseeing Fendi’s growth since 2018.
Despite stepping down from his role at Fendi, Kim Jones will continue as the artistic director at Dior Men, a position he has held since 2018. Prior to this, he was the artistic director of Louis Vuitton Men’s from 2011 to 2018, where he gained recognition for his collaborations, including the Louis Vuitton x Supreme partnership in 2017. At Dior Men, Jones has continued to explore collaborations with artists like Daniel Arsham and brands like Stone Island. A new creative organization for Fendi will be announced in the future, according to LVMH. Jones’s departure marks a new chapter for Fendi, and his creativity will be closely watched in his ongoing role at Dior Men.
As a designer with a track record of successful collaborations and innovative design, Kim Jones’s departure from Fendi is significant for the fashion industry. His impact on the brand’s direction and growth will be closely watched as Fendi transitions to a new creative organization. LVMH’s focus on sustainability and partnerships will likely continue to shape the future of Fendi under new leadership. Jones’s creative vision and ability to connect with a global audience have been key to his success, and his work at Fendi and Dior Men will continue to influence the luxury fashion landscape. Sign up for the Vogue Business newsletter for the latest updates and insights on the luxury fashion industry.
