BREAKING: Consuelo Castiglioni To Leave Marni; Francesco Risso Appointed Creative Director

Marni Fall 2016 Ready-To-Wear.

donbleek.com could officially confirm that Consuelo Castiglioni has decided to leave Marni, the company she founded with her husband Gianni. Francesco Risso is Castiglioni‘s successor.

Castiglioni‘s last collection for Marni was the Spring/Summer 2017 collection at Milan Fashion Week.

Her decision to step down was personal, she said in a statement. “These were hectic and exciting years, which absorbed all of my energies to create a project I am proud of,” Castiglioni said. “Thanks also to the constant support of my family, who allowed me to stay true to my idea, I built a brand with a precise and recognizable identity. The time has now come to dedicate myself to my private life. I thank all the people who believed in this project and who, with loyal dedication, have helped me along this fantastic journey.”

Castiglioni and her husband/business partner, Gianni Castiglioni launched Marni in 1994 in Milan. The brand has rapidly expanded in recent years, counting nearly 100 standalone stores. In December 2012, Marni was sold to Italian fashion group, Only The Brave, owned by Diesel denim founder Renzo Rosso, in order to further their expansion. OTB took full control of Marni in 2015.

OTB said in a statement that Castiglioni’s departure “is a personal decision.” Renzo Rosso, president of OTB, stated: “The world pays tribute to the original vision of Consuelo, and to a unique brand which we are proud to have in our group. I wish her the very best. I am happy to welcome Francesco, whose talent will contribute to writing a new chapter in the history of this house, which is Italian at heart and global in spirit. I am confident that the creative team and the management of Marni, which have contributed to this success, will continue to make this brand reach exciting new goals.”

Risso studied at Florence Polimoda, New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and Central Saint Martin’s in London. His work experience started at Anna Molinari, Alessandro Dell’Acqua and Malo. In 2008 he joined Prada Group to work on the brand’s women’s show collections and on special brand endorsement projects.

The designer will be responsible for all Marni collections for fall 2017.

OTB also owns the Maison Margiela and Viktor & Rolf brands, among others.

Marni Fall 2016 Menswear.

Marni Fall 2016 Ready-To-Wear.

Marni Fall 2016 Menswear.

Photos Credit: Kim Weston Arnold/Indigital.tv