Fashion's Favorite Whimsical Brand Is Leaving Marni With Francesco Risso

True delight is uncommon in fashion. A designer who makes it seem effortless is even more uncommon. But that is precisely what Francesco Risso gave to Marni, and he is departing the Italian label after almost ten years of colorful brilliance.

This morning's announcement of Risso's resignation caused a stir in a field that is frequently too formal to express sadness. Risso did more than simply guide the ship after taking over as design director in 2016; he turned it into a technicolor fantasy. Each collection seemed like a winking invitation to join the party, colors clashed with purpose, and asymmetry was welcomed as Marni evolved into fashion's most joyous playground under his supervision.

A Designer Who Remade the Odd Fantastic

Risso took a different approach during a period when a lot of luxury brands were leaning toward archival safety or clean simplicity. His runway performances were immersive, dramatic, and teeming with excitement. The models sported gigantic knits, bulbous shoes, scribbled designs, and clothing that appeared to be half sculpture and part dream souvenir.

Even though Marni does not frequently appear on the red carpet like some more ostentatious fashion labels, the moment a star wore one of Risso's creations was memorable. Imagine it as a form of couture poetry that is artistic, quirky, and subtly bizarre. Risso's works never simply "looked lovely," whether it was a voluminous silhouette or a pattern that appeared to have been lifted from a surrealist painting. They related a tale.

What We will Miss and What Risso Gave Us

Risso allowed us to see past the beautiful palettes and fanciful silhouettes. Permission to dress whichever you choose. Permission to combine intelligence with delight. And most importantly, permission to enjoy fashion in a time when a lot of it might seem like a branding exercise.

He had no intention of creating the next It bag. He was creating daydreams that could be worn. And Marni under Risso was a unique and beautiful gift for those of us who are ravenous for fashion that evokes something unexpected — a memory, a chuckle, a shock of ecstasy.

What Comes Next?

There is currently no information available on Risso's future or who will assume the creative leadership role at Marni. However, we can only hope that he will carry his distinctively unconventional genius with him wherever he goes.

Because mischief is necessary for fashion. It needs a soul. Above all, it requires designers like Francesco Risso, who reinvent the concept of dressing rather than merely following trends.

For now, Francesco, we say grazie mille.