Walter Chiapponi resigned as Creative Director of Blumarine

On the morning of 14 March 2024, it was announced that Walter Chiapponi is leaving his position as Creative Director of Vlumarine. 

Walter Chiapponi was appointed in November 2023 and presented his first collection at Milan Fashion Week this year.  

Walter Chiapponi held the same position at Tod's until July 2023. His arrival at Blumarine meant giving up the 2000s aesthetic, typical for the brand, which was maintained by the past creative director, Nicola Brognano since 2019. 

For Walter Chiapponi, it was a kind of "return to the roots" from which he draws his inspiration, as he had already worked for the company when it was headed by its founder, Anna Molinari. The man began his career as design director at Blumarine.  

Despite this past collaboration, the nature of the new designer's collection differs significantly from the previous ones of the brand. Instead of cartoon prints and an ultra-low fit, we see lace, floral motifs and silk in the Autumn/Winter 2024 collection. Either the designer did not sense the style of the brand, or people were not ready for such a showcase from the fashion house. 

“This experience will remain unique at a special moment in Blumarine’s history,” says Marchi. “I am grateful to Walter Chiapponi for pouring so much of himself into this collection. It has been an extraordinary adventure. I wish Walter all the best for the continuation of his journey.” 

Marco Marchi, owner of the Blufin group, which includes the Blumarine brand thanked the designer for his "vision and commitment”. 

The reason for Walter Chiapponi's exit has not been announced.  

It can be connected with a challenging period of his life, about which he wrote on his page in January. 2023 was a "horrible year," he shared. It was the year he had to say goodbye to "3 of the beings" that he "loved most". 

First, his 14-year-old nephew Noa passed away. Then Davide Renne, his best friend, died suddenly. He was also a fashion designer, who worked for Moschino fashion house. For his show during this fashion week, Walter Chiapponi wore a T-shirt that says "Davide" in honour of his friend and colleague. In December, Walter's favourite dog died. 

The former creative director of Blumarine is grateful to the company's owner for the "opportunity to express" himself and leave "a mark in the history of the iconic brand." 

The designer intends to concentrate himself on the projects with a social scope, before returning to the catwalk again. 

A new creative director of Blumarine has not yet been named.