Blumarine's Creative Director exits after one season

Walter Chiapponi, who joined Blumarine from Tod’s in November 2023, has stepped down from his role as Creative Director after just one season.

Chiapponi stirred the pot at Blumarine when his debut AW24 collection steered away from the Y2K aesthetic that was garnered under Nicola Brognano’s watchful eye during his reign from 2019-2023. With only one show under his belt, we were yet to see what Chiapponi could do with the brand.

The reason for Chiapponi’s exit has not been revealed, however many are speculating that the designer was overcome by grief and needed to take time out of the industry. During 2023, the designer experienced three sudden deaths - his nephew, friend David Renne, and his dog.

In a statement, Chiapponi said today: "My thanks for this experience go first and foremost to Marco Marchi who made it possible, but also to all those without whom I wouldn’t have been able to express myself as I did. I am especially referring to people I have loved who are no longer with us, but who continue to instil strong emotions in me, to inspire my feelings and my journey.

"I now want to concentrate on new initiatives and projects with a social and humanitarian scope before returning at a later date, at the right time, to the catwalk."

Marco Marchi, the Founder of Blumarine's owner Liu Jo, said: "This experience will remain unique at a special moment in Blumarine’s history.

"I am grateful to Walter Chiapponi for pouring so much of himself into this collection. It has been an extraordinary adventure. I wish Walter all the best for the continuation of his journey."

Walter Chiapponi's successor has not yet been named.