Following the highly praised unveiling of Dior’s Cruise 2026 collection, it’s now official: Maria Grazia Chiuri will be stepping down as Creative Director of women’s haute couture, ready-to-wear, and accessories. Her departure, while long speculated within industry circles, marks the end of a nine-year tenure that reshaped the House through a distinctly feminist and culturally resonant lens.
Appointed in 2016 as the first woman to lead Dior’s women’s collections, Chiuri made an immediate impact. Her debut show set the tone with the now-iconic “We Should All Be Feminists” T-shirt—a manifesto in fashion form that reflected her unwavering commitment to championing women's voices. Over nearly a decade, she brought together craftsmanship and conviction, often working in close collaboration with female artists and artisans from around the world.
In an official statement, the House of Dior expressed “its deepest gratitude to Maria Grazia Chiuri after a wonderful collaboration,” recognising the legacy she leaves behind. Delphine Arnault, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Christian Dior Couture, added:
“I extend my warmest thanks to Maria Grazia Chiuri, who, since her arrival at Dior, has accomplished tremendous work with an inspiring feminist perspective and exceptional creativity, all imbued with the spirit of Monsieur Dior… She has written a key chapter in the history of Christian Dior, greatly contributing to its remarkable growth and being the first woman to lead the creation of women’s collections.”
Chiuri, in her farewell statement, noted:
“After nine years, I am leaving Dior, delighted to have been given this extraordinary opportunity. I would like to thank Monsieur Arnault for placing his trust in me and Delphine for her support. I am particularly grateful for the work accomplished by my teams and the Ateliers. Their talent and expertise allowed me to realize my vision of committed women’s fashion, in close dialogue with several generations of female artists. Together, we have written an impactful chapter of which I am immensely proud.”
While her exit had been the subject of quiet industry murmurs for some time, the timing — coming off the back of a critically acclaimed Cruise show — makes the announcement all the more resonant. As Dior prepares for a new chapter, the fashion world awaits word on who will step into one of the industry’s most powerful creative roles. As for Chiuri, her next move remains unconfirmed — but her influence on contemporary fashion is unmistakable and enduring.