On January 8, Fast Retailing announced the appointment of Francesco Risso as the new Creative Director of GU, as part of its strategy to strengthen the brand’s competitiveness in the global market. Under Risso’s creative direction, GU aims to expand its global business and drive mid- to long-term growth.
Born in Italy, Francesco Risso studied fashion in Florence, New York, and London before spending approximately ten years building his career at Prada. During his time at Prada, he developed extensive design experience, grounded in a meticulous approach to craftsmanship and a strong sense of narrative.
In 2016, Risso was appointed Creative Director of the Italian fashion brand Marni. Throughout his tenure, he significantly expanded the brand’s creative expression through a bold and experimental approach inspired by music, art, and culture.
In addition to his work in fashion, Risso has been actively engaged in education, serving as a visiting lecturer at leading art and design institutions around the world. In 2022, he also led the high-profile collaboration project “UNIQLO and MARNI,” a partnership between Marni and Uniqlo, which attracted widespread attention.
This latest appointment symbolizes Fast Retailing’s ongoing evolution of its brand portfolio and its broader push to enhance competitiveness on the global stage. Attention is now focused on how Risso’s creative perspective will reshape GU’s products and brand image.
Risso’s first collection for GU is scheduled to be unveiled in the Fall/Winter 2026 season.
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