From Stormy Beginnings to Creative Breakthrough
Francesco Risso is stepping down as creative director of Marni, closing out a transformative chapter that spanned nearly ten years. OTB Group, Marni’s parent company, confirmed the news on June 18, marking the end of an era that redefined the house’s creative identity and cultural presence.
Risso took the helm in 2016 at a time of internal transition and public skepticism. He followed Marni’s beloved founder Consuelo Castiglioni, whose departure left longtime fans feeling uncertain. Unlike his more high-profile peers, Risso came from behind the scenes at Prada and was largely unknown to the wider fashion world. Still, he managed to weather early criticism and gradually reimagine Marni’s DNA.
Over the years, his collections leaned into bold experimentation—part chaotic, part poetic—with a clear commitment to collaboration, upcycling, and emotional storytelling. His shows became increasingly theatrical, inclusive, and immersive, often featuring creatives from all walks of life and reshaping what it meant to engage with fashion on a human level.
A Creative Exit with Heart
In his statement, Risso reflected on his time at Marni as a “studio, a stage, a dream,” crediting the brand for teaching him about the power of collaboration and emotional construction. His tenure brought Marni renewed relevance, moving it into an expressive, more handcrafted direction that still felt grounded in its roots of playfulness and intellect.
Renzo Rosso, chair of OTB Group, praised Risso’s unique vision and lasting impact, saying he had “built the foundations for a new and exciting chapter of Marni.”
What’s Next for Marni—and Risso
OTB has yet to announce Risso’s successor, though his departure rounds out a larger creative shift within the group—following Simone Bellotti’s recent arrival at Jil Sander and Glenn Martens’s expanded role at Maison Margiela. Notably, as of now, none of OTB’s houses have female creative leads, a point that may weigh into the decision-making as the company looks ahead.
Where Risso heads next remains to be seen—but wherever he lands, it’s safe to say his next chapter will be closely watched. As for Marni, the house now stands poised for another reinvention, with a rich legacy and bold new path waiting to unfold.
