Fast Retailing appoints Francesco Risso as creative director of GU

Fast Retailing Group has announced the appointment of Francesco Risso as creative director of GU. In his new role_ Risso will define GU_s creative direction as it enters its next phase of growth_ the Japanese apparel conglomerate stated in the press release. His debut collection for the brand is scheduled for autumn/winter 2026.

Alongside his appointment at GU_ Risso will also develop a new collaboration line with sister brand Uniqlo_ set to launch in 2026. He previously collaborated with the Japanese retailer on the Uniqlo and Marni collection in 2022.

Further details on both initiatives will be announced at a later date_ Fast Retailing Group said.

Francesco Risso served as creative director of Marni from 2016 to 2025_ where he shaped the brand_s distinctive creative direction. Prior to that_ the Italian designer spent a decade at Prada. Risso studied fashion in Florence_ New York and London_ and alongside his design career he is active as a guest lecturer at leading art and design institutions worldwide.

GU made its international flagship debut in the US in September 2024_ opening a store in New York_s SoHo alongside the launch of its first nationwide online platform. Fast Retailing says the move followed strong customer response to a pop-up concept that operated in the city from October 2022_ paving the way for a broader US rollout. In FY2025_ the company aims to further accelerate GU_s global expansion and strengthen its position as an international brand.