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Japan's Fast Retailing names Francesco Risso as GU creative director

09 Jan '26

1 min read

Japan's Fast Retailing names Francesco Risso as GU creative director

Francesco Risso. Pic: Sergio Cattivelli

Insights

Fast Retailing has appointed Francesco Risso as creative director of GU to strengthen the brand's global presence.
Risso will lead GU's creative direction, with his debut collection set for fall/winter 2026.
He will also develop a new collaboration line with Uniqlo launching in 2026, following his earlier Uniqlo and Marni project.

As part of its corporate direction to strengthen the global presence of Group brand GU, Fast Retailing is pleased to announce the appointment of Francesco Risso as GU's Creative Director. In this role, Risso will shape the brand's creative direction as it enters its next phase of growth. His debut collection for GU is scheduled for Fall/Winter 2026.

Alongside his appointment at GU, Risso, who helmed the UNIQLO and Marni collection in 2022, will develop a new collaboration line with UNIQLO, set to launch in 2026.

Further details on both initiatives will be announced at a later date.

Italian-born designer Francesco Risso studied fashion in Florence, New York, and London. He spent a decade at Prada, developing a rigorous approach to narrative and craft while gaining extensive design experience. From 2016 to 2025 he served as Creative Director at Marni, shaping a boldly original vision for the house inspired by music, art, and cultural exploration. A passionate educator, Risso has held guest positions at the world's top art and design schools.