Francesco Risso bids farewell to Marni after nearly a decade of creativity

Francesco Risso is leaving Marni after almost ten years of transforming the brand with his theatrical, artisanal, and deeply personal style.

Francesco Risso has announced his departure from Marni, marking the end of an era that lasted nearly ten years as the creative director of the Italian brand. Since his arrival in 2016, following the departure of founder Consuelo Castiglioni, Risso faced the challenge of reinterpreting a house with a strong feminine legacy. Although his early collections received mixed reviews, over time he managed to establish his own vision: vibrant, theatrical, and profoundly emotional.

Risso incorporated recycled materials, experimental silhouettes, and an artisanal aesthetic that revitalised Marni’s identity, making it one of the boldest propositions on the fashion calendar. His final collection, presented in February, was a celebration of colour and creativity, featuring deconstructed garments and striking prints that reaffirmed his unique language.

“Marni has been a dream, a space of freedom and collaboration,” Risso said in his farewell. For now, no replacement or future plans have been announced, but the industry eagerly awaits his next move. His departure follows other recent shifts within the OTB group, such as changes at Jil Sander and Maison Margiela, signalling a new chapter for the company. Without a doubt, Risso leaves a profound mark on Marni’s contemporary history.