Kim Jones Steps Down as Creative Director of Fendi
Jones is departing the Italian house after four years at the helm.
Kim Jones is exiting Fendi after four years. Jones served as artistic director of haute couture, ready-to-wear, and womenswear. He will remain in his role as menswear designer for fellow LVMH house, Dior. The announcement comes just over a week after the departure of Hedi Slimane at Celine and a month shy of Sarah Burton’s appointment at Givenchy.
Appointed at Fendi in 2020 following Karl Lagerfeld's passing, Jones brought a modern touch to the Italian house by integrating contemporary aesthetics with the its Roman heritage. During his time, he collaborated with major brands such as Skims and Stefano Pilati and reduced the brand’s reliance on fur, prioritizing sustainable alternatives. His tenure at the iconic Italian house was marked by several other high-profile collaborations, including the "Fendace" crossover with Versace, and by partnerships with brands like Marc Jacobs. Last month, Jones debuted what was to be his final collection for Fendi, reflecting on the 1920s, the decade Fendi was founded, showcasing a nostalgic yet modern approach.
“Kim Jones made significant contributions to the brand’s creative legacy, seamlessly integrating his modern and cross-cultural aesthetics with Fendi’s historical heritage,” said Jones and LVMH in a joint statement. “Under his leadership, the maison reinvented its ready-to-wear and couture collections, offering an inclusive and innovative approach to fashion that constantly renewed Fendi’s Italian codes. Throughout his four years, Jones’ work was wholly guided by passion and creativity.”
Kim Jones’ departure from Fendi marks the conclusion of a pivotal tenure for the house as well as the British designer himself. His tenure was defined by his refined, globetrotting style that merges regal tailoring with leisurewear influences. Despite having to debut during the pandemic lockdowns, Jones held firm and was integral in some of the brand’s most transformative years. No mention of a succession plan as of yet, but said successor will undoubtedly have big shoes to fill and will be announced “in due time,” said the statement.
