Well, the fashion tea is scalding today: Kim Jones is officially saying his stylish goodbyes to Fendi! After a fabulous four-year stint as the brand’s artistic director, he’s moving on. Yes, the man who stepped into Karl Lagerfeld’s loafers after the fashion legend passed in 2019 is now packing his designer bags and sashaying out the door.
In a classic corporate breakup move, LVMH overlord Bernard Arnault kept things classy in his farewell message, which could easily be titled, “Thanks, But We’re Keeping the Key to the Office Bathroom.”
“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 contribution and look forward to seeing his continued magic over at Dior Men’s,” Bernard said, probably while wearing a suit that costs more than a Vespa.
While Kim is waving ciao to Fendi, don’t cry into your couture just yet—he’s not disappearing! He’ll still be keeping things sharp over at Dior Men’s, where he’s been sprinkling his style fairy dust since 2018. Think of it as a fashion custody arrangement: Dior gets to keep him for weekdays, and Fendi… well, Fendi gets a lovely farewell card.
And in case you were worried that Fendi might go full meltdown, fear not! Silvia Venturini Fendi (yes, that Fendi) is sticking around to hold down the fort, managing accessories, men’s collections, and the ever-adorable childrenswear. Her daughter, Delfina Delettrez, will keep dazzling us over in the jewelry department. Basically, it’s still a Fendi family affair.
Meanwhile, Kim’s resume is nothing short of chef’s kiss: he ran Louis Vuitton Men’s like a boss from 2011 to 2018, only stepping down so Pharrell Williams—yes, Happy Pharrell—could slide into the LV Men’s hot seat and debut his first collection back in June 2023.
As for Kim’s replacement at Fendi? That announcement is currently fashionably late, much like everyone at the Met Gala. Until then, the rumor mill will be spinning faster than a Chanel runway carousel.
And if you’re keeping track of fashion-world drama, this marks the second big exit in just a few weeks—Hedi Slimane also made a dramatic exit from Celine. Fashion designers are bouncing around these luxury brands like it’s an episode of Project Runway: Corporate Edition. Stay tuned, because in the world of high fashion, the plot twists come with sequins.