Maria Grazia Chiuri has worked with major European fashion houses since the 1980s.
Maria Grazia Chiuri presently holds the title of Creative Director of Christian Dior, a role she began in 2016, marking the maison’s first era under a female director. Her trailblazing outlook has permeated Chiuri’s work for the house through many collections and collaborations centering the strength of women and celebrating the female gaze.
Chiuri’s rise to prominence began long before this, however. After studying at Rome’s Istituto Europeo di Design, she began designing for Fendi in 1989, where she worked alongside friend and fellow designer, Pierpaolo Piccioli. After a decade, Chiuri joined Valentino, closely followed by Piccioli, where the house’s accessories lines thrived under their care. Then, in 2008, the pair were named co-creative directors of Valentino, not long after Valentino Garavani’s retirement.
Across her many roles, Chiuri’s successful career has been acknowledged with honors and accolades like in 2015, when Chiuri and Piccioli received the CFDA International Award for their work at Valentino. Then in 2019, Chiuri was the recipient of France’s highest honor, the Legion d’honour. The designer is also noted for the revival of Dior’s saddle bag, the conception of the Fendi Baguette, and other iconic designs.
