Editors' Top Reads: News from Giorgio Armani, Fendi, John Lewis, and more...
Here are some of this week’s news and features highlights handpicked by TheIndustry.fashion team.
Maria Grazia Chiuri returns to Fendi as Chief Creative Officer
Maria Grazia Chiuri’s return to Fendi feels like one of those moments in fashion that matters on multiple levels. It’s not just a high-profile creative shuffle in the LVMH universe, it’s a deliberate bridge between heritage and the future. A full circle moment, if you will.
Chiuri began her career at Fendi nearly thirty years ago, and now she’s back, stepping into a role once held by the last family member actively designing for the house. That alone is symbolic: it’s a passing of the torch, but with someone who has both deep roots in the maison and a global perspective honed through her design roles at Valentino and Dior.
For me, when I think of Chiuri's design, I think of the iconic Dior "we should all be feminists" t-shirts. Her Romantic minimalism could give Fendi a modern, thoughtful edge without losing its playful, glamorous DNA. Something the house, which has been suffering from a decline in luxury demand, is in desperate need of.
Her appointment comes at a tricky time for luxury, with LVMH reporting a 15% dip in first-half profits and affluent shoppers tightening their belts. Chiuri isn’t just filling a vacancy, she’s being entrusted to help steer Fendi through this difficult period.
February’s Milan Fashion Week will be the moment we see how Chiuri writes this next chapter of Fendi.
Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.
Giorgio Armani appoints long-time exec as new CEO
The Giorgio Armani Group has acted swiftly in appointing its new CEO following the passing of the legendary designer last month at the age of 91.
In Giuseppe Marsocci, the company has also gone with someone who has been in its ranks for 23 years in various roles of “increasing responsibility”, which of course makes perfect sense. Marsocci was most recently Deputy Managing Director and Global Chief Commercial Officer at Giorgio Armani, a role he has been in for almost seven years, working directly alongside Giorgio Armani in the global management of the business. Prior to that, he was CEO of Giorgio Armani Corporation in America for five years. So, little wonder that he was “unanimously proposed” for the CEO role by the Armani Foundation.
Armani himself was hands-on right up until the end. It was only very recently that he talked of wanting a gradual handover to his closest collaborators and family, as poor health caused him to miss his recent fashion shows in Milan and Paris, in what is the 50th anniversary of the Giorgio Armani brand.
"I would like the succession to be organic and not a moment of ruptur," Armani had told the Financial Times. "My plans consist of a gradual transition of the responsibilities that I have always handled to those closest to me, such as Leo Dell'Orco, the members of my family and the entire working team."
It’s incredible he built such an empire from founding the business at the age of 41 in 1975, and was still working in the business this year. He clearly just loved it. Over five decades, the company has grown into a global powerhouse, spanning fashion, fragrance, interiors and hospitality. In 2024, the privately held business generated €2.3 billion in revenue.
Marcotti has got big shoes to fill, but we wish him all the best. There will never be another Giorgio Armani.
Tom Bottomley, Contributing Editor.
TheIndustry.fashion Awards Winners' Interview: Donna Stamp, Ethics & Sustainability Circular Economy Manager, John Lewis
In this series, TheIndustry.fashion continues to celebrate the achievements of the winning brands from TheIndustry.fashion Awards 2025 through a collection of dedicated interviews. With the Awards dedicated to People, Planet & Purpose, we set out to uncover the strategies driving positive change in the industry - from sustainable and circular practices to strategies amplifying diverse voices and supporting community and charitable causes.
Within the Planet category, John Lewis received the award for Sustainable Sourcing (Fabrics and Fashion). Ethics & Sustainability Circular Economy Manager Donna Stamp shares insights into the retailer's overarching sustainable sourcing strategy for fashion and how it aligns with the company’s broader environmental goals. She also discusses how John Lewis has introduced sustainable practices into the business for customer and highlights what customers can expect from John Lewis over the next year.
As the Sustainable Sourcing (fabrics and fashion) award was sponsored by Source Fashion, we aksi asked Event Director Suzanne Ellingham about what sourcing innovations or material trends are currently gaining traction among exhibitors and buyers at its event. Plus, what major trends they see shaping the future of the fashion industry, and how is Source positioned to help brands and suppliers stay ahead of these changes. Read the full interview here.
Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.
