PARIS (AP) — Maria Grazia Chiuri, the first woman ever to lead Dior’s women’s collections, announced Thursday she is stepping down as creative director after nine years at the storied French fashion house. The Italian designer confirmed her departure in an Instagram post, capping a transformative era defined by bold feminist messaging, record sales and industry-defining collections. Chiuri, 60, leaves behind a legacy that reshaped Dior’s creative direction and broadened its global appeal.