Fendi appoints Kim Jones as its new Artistic Director of Fendi Women’s, stepping into Karl Lagerfeld’s shoes. The British designer will be responsible for the haute couture, ready-to-wear and fur collections for women at Fendi. Jones will continue to retain his duty as Artistic Director of Dior Men.

The third generation of the Fendi family, led by Silvia Venturini Fendi, will continue to head the menswear collections and create accessories. Jones will debut his first ready-to-wear Fendi collection during the Fall 2021-22 season of Milan Fashion Week in February. 

LVMH Chief Executive Bernard Arnault welcomed the nomination, saying, “Kim Jones is a great talent and since joining, he has continuously proven his ability to adapt to the code and heritage of the LVMH houses while revisiting them with great modernity and audacity. At Fendi, I am convinced that his vision and passion will highly contribute to the success of the women’s collections.”

Serge Brunschwig, Fendi’s Chairman and CEO, said, “I am thrilled to welcome Kim Jones at Fendi. Kim is one of the most talented and relevant designers of today. With Silvia Venturini Fendi, who has virtuously carried on Fendi and Karl Lagerfeld’s legacy, Kim will bring his contemporary one of a kind point of view into the world of Fendi.”

Venturini Fendi herself released a statement, saying, “My warmest welcome to Kim, to whom I am bound by deep respect and friendship. I am looking forward to take the Fendi universe to the next level with him.”

Jones responded to the announcement with, “I would like to profoundly thank Monsieur Arnault, Pietro Beccari, Serge Brunschwig and Silvia Venturini Fendi for this incredible opportunity. Working across two such prestigious houses is a true honor as a designer and to be able to join the house of Fendi as well as continuing my work at Dior Men’s is a huge privilege.”