Christian Dior has named Italian designer Maria Grazia Chiuri its new creative director, making her the first woman to lead the illustrious French fashion house since it was founded 70 years ago.

Dior's announcement Friday confirmed the speculation that Chiuri, 52, would leave Rome's Valentino for Paris-based Dior. At Valentino she had, together with couture partner Pierpaolo Piccioli, taken over from founder Valentino Garavani to continue the Italian company's creative and economic success.

Dior has had no creative director since the sudden departure of Belgian designer Raf Simons in October. The first collection designed by Chiuri for Christian Dior will be ready-to-wear and will be shown in September at the Paris fashion week. Chiuri will also design haute-couture collections for Dior.