Kim Jones Resigns as Fendi Artistic Director, Taking Over from Karl Lagerfeld in 2020

Kim Jones has officially stepped down as the artistic director of Fendi, where he took the helm in 2020 following the passing of the legendary Karl Lagerfeld. At 51, Jones has shaped the brand over the past four years with his distinct and multicultural approach. Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, which owns Fendi, expressed his admiration for Jones, acknowledging his significant contributions to the fashion house. “Kim Jones is a highly talented designer who has brought his unique and multicultural vision to Fendi over the past four years. I would like to thank him for his contributions and look forward to continuing to witness his creativity at Dior Men’s,” Arnault remarked.

While his journey at Fendi comes to an end, Jones will maintain his position as creative director at Dior Men’s, a role he has held since 2018. In a bid to preserve continuity, Silvia Venturini Fendi will continue to oversee accessories, menswear, and childrenswear for the brand, while her daughter Delfina Delettrez will remain involved in the jewelry segment. Previously, Jones served as head of Louis Vuitton Men’s from 2011 to 2018.

Pharrell Williams currently leads the creative direction for Vuitton Men’s, having launched his inaugural collection in June 2023. As of now, Fendi has yet to announce Jones’s successor, though an announcement is anticipated in due course. This development marks another significant transition in the fashion industry, following Hedi Slimane’s recent departure from Celine.