Harris Reed Departs Nina Ricci to Focus on His Own Label

On March 11, French luxury brand Nina Ricci announced that Harris Reed is stepping down from his role as creative director. Reed has led the maison’s creative direction for approximately three and a half years and will now focus on developing his namesake brand. A successor has not yet been announced.

The news of his departure was also shared by Reed himself on Instagram. In a statement, he said, “After three and a half extraordinary years at the helm of Nina Ricci, it is now time to say farewell and turn my full attention to my own namesake label. I am leaving Nina Ricci with a heart full of gratitude and a profound appreciation for all that my time there has given me. My deepest thanks go to Puig and to the entire Nina Ricci team. Truly, to step into a heritage house that not only welcomed, but actively championed my imagination, has been an honour beyond words.”

“To my Paris team, thank you for meeting every idea with openness, generosity, and courage. You embraced possibility without hesitation, and in doing so taught me more than I could ever adequately express. Every moment we’ve shared will stay with me always. I love you.”

Appointed as the Youngest Creative Director

Reed joined Nina Ricci in 2022 as creative director of the Puig-owned house. At just 26 years old at the time, he became the youngest designer in the maison’s history to take the creative helm.

A recent graduate of Central Saint Martins in London, Reed was tasked with bringing a fresh perspective to the brand’s archives and craftsmanship.

His debut collection for the Autumn/Winter 2023 season introduced a sense of inclusivity to the brand, challenging traditional fashion week conventions through a diverse cast of models. The collection featured a vibrant interplay of color and form, ranging from voluminous polka-dot silhouettes to sharply tailored looks.

Final Show: Fall/Winter 2026

Reed’s final show for Nina Ricci was the Fall/Winter 2026 collection, presented during Paris Fashion Week on March 6.

The collection drew inspiration from the “Marie Antoinette Style” exhibition at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. It incorporated historical elements such as jacquard pant suits, crinoline skirts, and corsets, styled with contemporary pieces like T-shirts and tracksuits to create a modern reinterpretation.

During his tenure, Reed reimagined the brand’s vision of femininity through sculptural silhouettes and glamorous eveningwear. He also championed inclusivity, regularly featuring plus-size models in his shows.

In addition to his work in fashion, Reed was involved in the launch of the brand’s new fragrance, Venus, contributing to Nina Ricci’s presence in the beauty sector.

A New Chapter for the House

Ana Trias, president of Nina Ricci, commented in a statement: “All of us at Nina Ricci and Puig would like to extend our warmest thanks to Harris Reed, who, since his arrival, has brought a breath of fresh air as well as an inspiring and inclusive perspective and exceptional creativity. Harris has written a beautiful chapter in the history of Nina Ricci.”

Founded in 1932, Nina Ricci is widely known for its fragrances, while the fashion division has seen several creative director changes in recent years. The house is currently taking time to define its next chapter in line with its long-term strategy, with further updates on the new organization expected to be announced in due course.

Meanwhile, Reed is set to focus on the continued growth of his own brand. Since graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2020, he has gained recognition for his gender-fluid designs characterized by theatrical volumes and dramatic silhouettes, becoming a regular presence on the London Fashion Week calendar.

Reflecting on his journey, Reed also wrote: “When I first arrived at Nina Ricci, I was 26 years old, not long graduated, single and still finding my footing while learning how to stand confidently with an unconventional voice.”

He added: “Today, I leave having learned and grown so much, and I am so excited to enter this next chapter of my life with my husband — and dog — beside me, in a home that I love, ready to take my own company into its next chapter.”