DIOR: Maria Grazia Chiuri on exit route

By Temo Mpodi

Maria Grazia Chiuri, the iconic Italian fashion designer, is stepping down as creative director of Dior. After making her mark at Fendi and Valentino, Chiuri joined Dior in 2016 and nearly a decade later, she’s closing that chapter.

She didn’t just step into the role – she stormed through the fashion world’s glass ceiling. As the first woman to take on the role of creative director for Dior’s women’s collections, she made history. Her time at the maison has been nothing short of groundbreaking.

In a heartfelt Instagram post confirming her departure, Maria emphasised the power of collaboration: “Together, we have written a remarkable and impactful chapter,” she wrote. And she’s not wrong. Since Dior’s founding in 1947, no other woman has held that position. Her legacy? Monumental. She opened doors, challenged norms, and proved that leading a global luxury fashion house isn’t just possible for women – it’s powerful.

Maria has always been a force – pure dynamite. She’s the embodiment of “go for it.” Dreams don’t just come true; with enough vision and drive, you can surpass them and then dream even bigger. She redefined what it means to lead with heart, to build authentic relationships in an industry that can be all surface and sparkle. She’s shown that fashion isn’t just about clothes – it’s about people, stories, and bold new perspectives. Some of her final designs for Dior showcased in 2025:

As for what’s next? That’s the big question. But for now, it’s a stylish pause. We’ll be watching closely to see what’s next on her fashion plate.

All hail the fashion queen!