Marni has named acclaimed Belgian designer Meryll Rogge as its new creative director, following the departure of Francesco Risso after nearly ten years at the helm of the Italian fashion house.
The announcement, made on July 15 by parent company Only The Brave (OTB), comes after a competitive search process that attracted a wide range of global talent. “We met many highly qualified candidates, confirming how Marni continues to inspire and attract creatives from around the world,” said Renzo Rosso, OTB founder and chairman. “Meryll impressed us with the sensitivity she brought to reinterpreting the brand’s DNA, offering a contemporary vision that embraces Marni globally and across all its dimensions — including accessories, interior design, communication, and special projects. “I wish her the best in carrying this vision forward with passion, supported by a team and a group that have always placed creativity at the core of their identity.”
Rogge, a Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp alumna, joins the ranks of fashion legends such as Martin Margiela, Dries Van Noten, and Ann Demeulemeester, who also trained at the prestigious Belgian institution. Her early career took her to New York, where she designed womenswear under Marc Jacobs for seven years before returning to Belgium to work with Dries Van Noten, eventually rising to head of womenswear.
In 2019, Rogge launched her eponymous label, quickly gaining a reputation for combining luxury with playfully deconstructed design. Her signature aesthetic mixes vintage references with contemporary flair, earning her international acclaim. She was named Emerging Talent of the Year at the Belgian Fashion Awards in 2021 and made history in 2024 as the first woman to win the Designer of the Year title. This year, she was a finalist for the International Woolmark Prize and recently secured the 2025 ANDAM Prize.
“I’m truly honored to join Marni — a house I’ve long admired for its independent spirit. To take on a role defined by such visionary creative directors is both humbling and inspiring,” said Rogge. “I’m deeply grateful to Renzo and Stefano for recognising the resonance between our worlds and for entrusting me with this extraordinary opportunity. I look forward to helping shape what comes next for Marni.”
A date for her debut collection at Marni has yet to be announced, though speculation suggests it could be revealed during the upcoming autumn shows, adding yet another anticipated debut to the fashion calendar.
