Maria Grazia Chiuri for Dior

Maria Grazia Chiuri, born in 1964 in Rome, studied fashion design at the Istituto Europeo di Design in Rome. Art history and cinema have always influenced her work, particularly during her time at Fendi, where she designed handbags starting in 1989. In 1999, she was appointed head of accessories at Valentino and served as co-creative director alongside Pierpaolo Piccioli from 2008 to 2016. In July 2016, Maria Grazia Chiuri was named the creative director of haute couture, ready-to-wear, and accessory collections for women at DIOR, becoming the first woman to hold this position at the fashion house. Throughout the seasons and through her numerous collaborations, she showcases the talents, creativity, and commitment of artists and artisans from around the world, who nurture and enrich an invaluable collective heritage with their know-how, techniques, and imagery.

Since joining DIOR in 2016, Maria Grazia Chiuri has promoted universal empowerment and sisterhood within the company. For her, fashion is not just a means of better understanding oneself but also a tool for expressing one’s identity and authentic, multifaceted uniqueness. Her work is inspired by personalities who embody a balance between grace and strength of character. Among her role models are dancers, artists, photographers, activists, and writers, as well as brave young women of today, especially her daughter Rachele.

At the DIOR Haute Couture show for the Fall-Winter 2019-2020 collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri was honoured by the French Secretary of State for Equality, Marlène Schiappa, with the title of "Chevalier de l'Ordre National de la Légion d'Honneur" (Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour). This prestigious award recognizes the creative passion and commitment of the creative director, who contributes to the influence of France and the DIOR house around the world through her dedication and vision of fashion and haute couture.