This morning, the fashion world was shocked to learn that Francesco Risso, the creative director of Marni, is departing the label after nearly a decade at the helm. Since joining the Italian house in 2016, Risso has transformed the Marni aesthetic to reflect a joyful, exuberant, and whimsical spirit. His colorful runway shows served as a breath of fresh air in the Fashion Month calendar, and his red carpet hits, though infrequent, always delivered a memorable moment.
Risso’s approach to red carpet dressing was more organic and spontaneous than that of many leading labels. He didn’t flood awards season with the same looks, but he created wonderfully wild and outré moments when he did appear on the step and repeat. Risso was not a designer who stars turned to for safe, predictable looks. For example, the unforgettable dress that Hunter Schafer wore to the 2023 premiere of The Hunger Games was a testament to his creativity and his ability to push boundaries. The star, styled by Dara, wore a sculptural frock made of upcycled, hand-painted metal flowers, all applied onto a floral-printed poplin base. This was not your average little black dress (LBD).
Risso’s red carpet moments were a testament to his individuality and personality. From the bold and colorful gowns he designed for celebrities like Rihanna and Kendall Jenner to the more subtle and understated looks he created for other stars, each outfit was a statement of creativity and originality. In honor of his exit, Vogue takes a look back at some of his very best celebrity placements. From the striking red carpet looks he created for the Met Gala to the unexpected and playful outfits he designed for other events, Risso’s work at Marni will be remembered for its unforgettable impact on the world of fashion.
As we say goodbye to Francesco Risso as creative director of Marni, we can only hope that his next venture will be as exciting and groundbreaking as his time at the label. His legacy at Marni will live on in the memories of those who have experienced his unique vision on the red carpet and on the runway.
[Image 1: A photograph of a red carpet look designed by Francesco Risso] [Image 2: A photograph of a bold and colorful gown designed by Francesco Risso]
