Marni renews contract with Creative Director Francesco Risso

Never tinker with a winning team. After renewing the contract linking John Galliano with Maison Margiela in October, Italian fashion group OTB has done the same with the creative director of Marni. Francesco Risso took charge of the Italian label's style in 2016, succeeding its founder Consuelo Castiglioni, and in four years he has managed to revitalise Marni, notably making it attractive to a younger clientèle.

As a result, Risso’s contract as creative director has been renewed. The duration of the new agreement has not been disclosed, but Marni seems keen on a long-term marriage.

“While staying true to the label’s spirit, Risso has pushed Marni beyond its limits, fostering an all-encompassing creativity and transforming Marni in a hub of artistic conversations. He will continue to expand the scope of his vision, spearheading the label’s brand image worldwide and informing all creative decisions, from collections to communications,” stated Marni in a press release.

“Ever since he joined the team as creative director, Francesco has fully embraced Marni’s DNA. His unique leadership applies to every aspect of his work - from style to interior design to marketing and the digital world - relying on an exceptionally talented network of people worldwide,” said Renzo Rosso, president of OTB.

“Francesco has steered the label in a new direction, revitalising [Marni] and fully mastering its codes,” added Rosso.

OTB acquired a majority stake in Marni in 2013 and became its full owner in 2015, and Rosso’s boldness has been amply rewarded. When he hired Risso, tasking him with the delicate mission of shepherding Marni, whose founder Consuelo Castiglioni had remained at the helm for 22 years, the label was mostly unknown to the wider public.

Risso studied at the Polimoda academy in Florence, at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and at Central Saint Martins in London. His career started with stints at Anna Molinari, Alessandro Dell'Acqua and Malo. Before joining Marni in 2016, he spent eight years at Prada, working on womenswear collections and special projects.

Risso is regarded as one of the most inventive designers of today, and his shows are among the most eagerly awaited at the Milan Fashion Week. With his offbeat style and his ability to reinvent himself from one season to the next, Risso has rejuvenated Marni, whose revenue rose sharply to reach €200 million in 2019, more than half of the total generated by accessories.

Marni renews contract with Creative Director Francesco Risso

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