GU, the dynamic sister brand to Uniqlo within the Fast Retailing conglomerate, has officially announced the appointment of Francesco Risso as its new creative director. His initial collection for the label is anticipated to launch in the Fall/Winter 2026 season.
Established in 2006, GU represents Fast Retailing's second-largest venture, complementing the global presence of Uniqlo. The brand currently operates approximately 480 retail locations across Asia, with e-commerce platforms servicing Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan. Demonstrating its expanding international footprint, GU inaugurated its first flagship store outside of Asia in New York's SoHo district earlier in 2024. Risso brings a wealth of experience to this new role, having most recently served as the creative director for Marni since 2016, where his distinctive vision garnered significant critical acclaim. Prior to that, he dedicated a decade to Prada, contributing to their womenswear design. This appointment also includes plans for Risso to develop a new collaborative line with Uniqlo, scheduled for a 2026 release.
Risso articulated his enthusiasm for this new chapter, emphasizing a desire to create accessible fashion for a broad audience. He believes it is essential for the future of design to possess profound meaning and purpose, and that innovative concepts require robust frameworks to reach consumers worldwide. This collaboration signifies a progressive step in fashion, aligning creative leadership with strategic global outreach. It underscores a commitment to accessible yet meaningful design, ensuring that visionary ideas can impact a wider global community. This initiative heralds a future where fashion is not only a form of artistic expression but also a catalyst for positive influence and broader societal engagement.