Marni’s Francesco Risso Lands at GU to Lead Fashion’s Next Chapter

Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo, has announced the appointment of Francesco Risso as the new creative director of GU. This move comes six months after Risso departed his role at Marni, marking a significant step in GU’s strategy to bolster its global presence.

GU, a key brand within the Fast Retailing group, is positioned as a trend-focused fashion retailer with a distinctly Japanese aesthetic – the name itself, pronounced “jee-you,” derives from the Japanese word for freedom. Established in 2006, GU currently operates around 480 stores across Asia and has expanded its reach with e-commerce platforms in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan. In 2024, the brand made its US debut with a flagship store in New York City’s Soho district, alongside international online retail.

Risso’s primary focus will be shaping the creative direction of GU as it embarks on its next phase of growth. His first collection for the brand is slated to launch with the Fall/Winter 2026 season. Demonstrating the strength of the relationship with Fast Retailing, Risso will concurrently develop a new collaborative line with Uniqlo, also expected to debut in 2026, building on his previous successful collaboration with Uniqlo and Marni in 2022.

The designer expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I want more than ever to make real clothes for real people. It is crucial that the future of fashion is charged with meaning and purpose. But for imagination to find its full potential, bold ideas must have an infrastructure to reach people all over the world.” This sentiment underscores his commitment to accessible and impactful design.

Risso brings a wealth of experience to GU, having honed his skills through education at fashion institutions in Florence, New York, and London. He spent a decade at Prada, where he cultivated a meticulous approach to design, narrative, and craftsmanship. From 2016 to 2025, he served as creative director of Marni, injecting a boldly original vision into the brand inspired by music, art, and cultural exploration.

During his tenure at Marni, Risso became known for his avant-garde fashion shows, which were highlights of Milan Fashion Week and often incorporated remarkable performance art installations. A particularly memorable moment was his American show for Marni, staged dramatically under the Brooklyn Bridge with a live orchestral accompaniment.

Beyond his design work, Risso is a dedicated educator, having held guest positions at leading art and design schools worldwide. His appointment to GU reflects a growing trend of established European designers taking on full-time roles with major Asian labels, following similar moves like Kim Jones’s position with Areal, Bosideng’s luxury sub-brand.