Valentino creative director to head up Dior

French fashion house Christian Dior has finally replaced its creative head after the shock departure of Raf Simons in late 2015.

Following two seasons of collections led by an in-house creative team, Maria Grazia Chiuri of much-loved Italian house Valentino is set to be announced as Creative Director following Dior’s couture show in early July, Business of Fashion reports.

She will be the first woman in the company’s 70-year history to take the prestigious position, walking in the footsteps of design greats such as Yves Saint Laurent and John Galliano.

Will Dior’s feminine, edgy woman take a turn towards Valentino’s monastic, Victoriana gypsy? Watch this space.