Francesco Risso has stepped down as the creative director of Marni after working with the brand for 10 years. The announcement was made on Tuesday by OTB Group, which owns Marni. This marks another big change in the fashion industry, which has seen many top designers leave or switch roles recently.
OTB Group’s chairman, Renzo Rosso, praised Risso as “a unique designer and an artist at heart,” and wished him well for the future. The company has not yet revealed who will replace him as the next creative director.
This exit comes at a time when several major brands like Gucci, Chanel, and Balenciaga have also seen creative leadership changes. Even within the OTB group, there have been shifts—Simone Bellotti was named the new creative director at Jil Sander, and Glenn Martens took over from John Galliano at Maison Margiela.
Risso made a big mark during his time at Marni. He brought a whimsical and artistic style to the brand, known for its use of floral designs, fur details, and bold, imaginative touches. His fashion shows were often unique and creative, sometimes using surprising set designs. For example, in one show, guests sat at a banquet table wearing their own favorite outfits that had been redesigned for the event.
Under his leadership, Marni went through a bold creative transformation. He helped update women’s collections, expand men’s fashion lines, and made Marni’s runway shows into full experiences rather than just simple presentations.
As the fashion world waits to hear who will lead Marni next, Risso’s departure closes a colorful and influential chapter in the brand’s story.
Also Read: Stray Kids’ Seungmin Becomes New Face of Burberry
