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Silvia Venturini Fendi is stepping down as creative director of Fendi, taking on the role of honorary president of the Roman house, which has been in her family for three generations.

Fendi, who has designed men’s and accessories collections for the house since 1994, took over the womenswear lines following the departure of Kim Jones in October last year, steering the house for two seasons in its centennial year. Prior to Jones, Venturini Fendi was second in command to Karl Lagerfeld, the longtime creative director of Fendi’s womenswear and couture from 1992 to 2019. After two seasons presiding over all collections, she’s making way for a new creative director.

“These have been truly exciting years, a journey I have walked also in the name of my grandmother Adele, my mother Anna, and her sisters. My heart turns to Karl, an extraordinary master who granted me the honour of working by his side, teaching me the art of sharing, a defining quality in my family’s history of women, while guiding me to nurture and protect my own creative vision so that I could then fly on my own,” the designer said in a statement. “What a wonderful journey it has been, not only creatively but also from a human perspective: first through my bond with Karl Lagerfeld, then with Kim Jones and last but not least with my fantastic team, which over the years has become part of my family.”

In her new capacity, Venturini Fendi will focus on supporting Fendi’s heritage, while “continuing to champion the brand worldwide and promoting the maison’s rich history, exceptional craftsmanship, and the world of Fendi Casa”, the brand said in a statement.

Fendi appointed CEO Ramon Ros in July this year, perhaps to steer the brand through the creative transition. LVMH doesn’t break down sales of individual brands, but according to HSBC estimates, Fendi sales reached €2.33 billion in 2024.

“Since 1992, Silvia has greatly contributed to shaping Fendi’s creative direction and has been pivotal to the brand’s international success. Her vision has guided Fendi from its Roman artisanal roots into the future, culminating in the celebration of the house’s 100-year anniversary,” Ros said in a statement. “I am thrilled to see the new projects that Silvia will lead in her new position, contributing not only to Fendi’s legacy and values but the world of design and craftsmanship around the world.”

Of course, the rumour mill has been churning ever since Jones’s departure. But with Venturini Fendi stepping down, the stakes are now much higher for who takes on the house. Fendi says a new creative organisation will be announced “in due course”.

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