Kim Jones is stepping down from his role as artistic director of Fendi, as announced by LVMH. He took over the position from the late Karl Lagerfeld in 2020, overseeing Fendi’s haute couture, ready-to-wear, and fur collections. Silvia Venturini Fendi will continue as the creative director of accessories, men’s, and children’s wear. Delfina Delettrez, Jones’s muse during his time at Fendi, will continue to design jewelry. LVMH’s chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault thanked Jones for his contributions and expressed excitement to see his creativity at Dior Men’s.
Fendi, owned solely by LVMH since 2001, is the conglomerate’s fourth largest fashion brand, behind Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Celine. The brand is estimated to have revenues of approximately €2.44 billion. Under Jones, Fendi focused on artisanship and collaboration, partnering with industry players like Kim Kardashian’s Skims and Stefano Pilati. Jones also spearheaded a shift away from fur towards recycled alternatives. While LVMH does not provide specific growth figures for Fendi, the appointment of new CEO Pierre-Emmanuel Angeloglou in June signifies a new chapter for the brand.
Jones will continue to serve as the artistic director of Dior Men, a position he has held since 2018. Prior to this role, he was the artistic director of Louis Vuitton Men’s, where he achieved success with the Louis Vuitton x Supreme collaboration in 2017. At Dior Men, Jones has also explored collaborations with artists like Daniel Arsham and brands like Stone Island. LVMH has yet to announce the new creative leadership for Fendi, leaving industry insiders curious about the future direction of the brand.
Reflecting on Jones’s time at Fendi, the impact of his creative vision on the brand’s growth remains unclear as specific figures are not disclosed by LVMH. However, Bernard Arnault acknowledged outgoing CEO Serge Brunschwig for guiding Fendi to a significant level of growth since 2018. Jones’ departure marks a turning point for Fendi, prompting speculation about the brand’s next steps and how it will continue to innovate and resonate with consumers. Stay tuned for further updates on Fendi’s creative direction and collaborations in the future.
In conclusion, Kim Jones’s departure from Fendi signals the end of an era for the brand’s artistic direction. With his focus on artisanship, collaboration, and sustainability, Jones has left a lasting impact on Fendi’s design ethos. As the brand looks towards a new creative organization, the industry eagerly anticipates the next chapter for Fendi under fresh leadership. Jones’s legacy at Fendi will be remembered for his innovative designs, strategic partnerships, and commitment to pushing boundaries in luxury fashion. Keep an eye out for updates on Fendi’s future direction and potential collaborations post-Jones.
