Riccardo Tisci finally talks about his future

After two years out of the spotlight, it seems that Riccardo Tisci is preparing to return to the fashion scene, and as he shared with the Financial Times, he plans to do so with a new attitude and maturity. After stepping down from his role as creative director at Burberry in September 2022, Tisci took time to rest and reflect, traveling across Africa and focusing on more personal projects. Now, at 50, he feels «accomplished and ready for a new chapter» but without any narcissistic ambition, as he himself said: «It’s not that I have nothing to say. But I want to give space to other people to communicate and express themselves». Throughout the interview, Tisci admitted that the pressures of the fashion industry had an impact on his mental health, stating that in today's fashion world «creative people enter a very dark tunnel» and often struggle with deep insecurities – certainly a reference to the high expectations that revenue targets and the relentless pace of collections (he did four per year at Burberry) imposed by the management of both large and small brands. The designer’s tone, however, was, if not openly optimistic, at least calm and positive: today, Tisci says he is happier than ever, satisfied with both himself and his creative journey.

Currently, Tisci divides his time between Paris and New York, the latter being a city he has always dreamed of living in. Additionally, he has continued to work more or less behind the scenes, mentoring young designers like Luis de Javier, starting a collaboration with Nike that we should see soon (we imagine that this upcoming drop could serve as a springboard for the designer’s re-entry into public discourse) and serving as the first guest editor for the independent magazine Boy.Brother.Friend. All creative projects but (except for the collaboration with Nike) with a freer and, in some ways, more reflective nature compared to the rampant commerciality of a new entry into the world of fashion and its creative directors. Tisci has reflected on this environment, observing with a touch of disillusionment how creativity has been overshadowed by superficial marketing. «Everything is like fast fashion», he said. If once the industry was dominated by visionary designers like Martin Margiela and Alexander McQueen and critics like Anna Piaggi or Isabella Blow, today Tisci laments that «if you’re cute and have good marketing, you can go into first place. People who are talented but shy don’t get the opportunity». And that is why his goal today is to contribute to projects that are meaningful, honest, and tied to his creative vision.

Looking ahead, Tisci mentioned that he is considering his next move in fashion, contemplating whether to return to a large luxury house or continue developing his own personal brand. «I’m trying to figure out the right moment and way to come back», he said, implying that while the desire exists, a clearly defined project is still missing. Whatever path he chooses, however, the designer doesn’t seem willing to compromise or make choices dictated by what could be described as venality: «For the next project, I want to be very free». In short, Tisci’s return to the industry seems imminent, but he is in no rush. His next chapter will be defined by a fusion of purpose, creativity, and the desire to cultivate authentic connections—qualities that have always been at the heart of his work.