Harris Reed is stepping down as creative director of Nina Ricci, closing a chapter that lasted three years and several Paris Fashion Week seasons. The designer confirmed the news in a statement, noting that he is now shifting his full attention to the development of his own label.
Reed joined the French house in 2022 at the age of 26. At the time, his appointment reflected a wider shift within the fashion industry – heritage brands increasingly turned to younger designers with strong personal identities and growing audiences. For Nina Ricci, Reed brought a distinct visual language built around theatrical silhouettes, expressive eveningwear, and a romantic sense of drama.
Throughout his tenure, Reed attempted to reinterpret the brand’s legacy through a contemporary lens. His collections often balanced classic couture references with a more performative approach to fashion – voluminous gowns, sculptural headpieces, and fluid tailoring that blurred historical and modern influences.
His final show for the house took place during Paris Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2026. The collection drew inspiration from an unexpected cultural juxtaposition: the imagined scenario of Marie Antoinette attending the Glastonbury music festival. The concept captured Reed’s approach to fashion storytelling – mixing historical imagery with contemporary pop culture references.
In a public message, Reed expressed gratitude to the Nina Ricci team and to Puig, the group that owns the brand, for supporting his creative direction. He described the experience as a formative moment in his career, reflecting on the fact that he arrived at the house shortly after graduating and developed his voice while working within its heritage.
Nina Ricci president Ana Trias also acknowledged Reed’s contribution, noting that his work brought a fresh perspective and renewed visibility to the house.
For now, the brand has not announced a successor. Further updates regarding the future creative direction of Nina Ricci are expected in the coming months.
Source – Vogue.
