Francesco Risso to exit Marni after decade as Creative Director
Francesco Risso is set to leave Marni after almost ten years as its Creative Director, OTB Group confirmed today.
Founded in 1994 by Swiss-born Castiglioni, Marni built a cult following for its offbeat prints, architectural silhouettes, and early commitment to recycled materials. OTB Group took full ownership in 2015, setting the stage for a new era under Risso’s leadership who was appointed in 2016 following the departure of founder Consuelo Castiglioni.
Risso initially faced criticism from loyal followers of the brand. Despite coming from an under-the-radar background, having spent eight years in the design studio at Prada, he gradually won acclaim for his eccentric vision.
"Francesco has embraced the spirit and the values of the house, and together with the team brought them to new grounds, building the foundations for a new and exciting chapter of Marni," said Renzo Rosso, Founder and Chair of OTB. "Francesco is a unique designer and an artist at heart, and I wish him only the best for the future."
Under Risso's lead, Marni became known for shows that felt more like immersive art performances than fashion presentations, often casting diverse communities and repurposing existing materials to drive a more inclusive and sustainable narrative. Notable highlights included his SS22 and SS25 collections, where guests were dressed in upcycled Marni garments and invited to participate in the show experience.
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Risso added: "I will always be grateful to Renzo for believing in me, for giving me the front seat on a journey that became more than I could have imagined.
"Marni has been a studio, a stage, a dream. It carried colour, instinct, care, and gave space for people to be themselves. It taught me how to build with feeling, and how powerful true collaboration can be. Thank you to the whole Marni team, and to all the friends who joined along the way, and here’s to more extraordinary journeys ahead!"
Risso’s successor has yet to be announced, but his departure completes a wave of creative change across it owner OTB’s portfolio. The group named Simone Bellotti as creative director at Jil Sander in March after Lucie and Luke Meier stepped down. Glenn Martens was also appointed to lead Maison Margiela alongside his ongoing role at Diesel in January.
