Dior today named Italian designer Maria Grazia Chiuri as its new creative director, making her the first woman to lead the iconic French fashion house.
The 52-year-old left the Italian label Valentino today, paving the way for her appointment.
She will present her first show in Paris on September 30, the company said, following in the steps of legendary founder Christian Dior and such designers as Yves Saint Laurent, Gianfranco Ferre and John Galliano.
Dior has been without a leader since the shock departure of the Belgian Raf Simons last October, which sparked soul-searching in the industry about the pressure creators were now under.
Valentino will now be in the sole charge of Chiuri's longtime creative partner Pierpaolo Piccioli.
Together, Chiuri and Piccioli were credited with giving Valentino back its fizz, making it one of the most profitable designer brands in Europe.
