Dirk Schönberger has returned to luxury accessories brand MCM Worldwide after a two-year absence, resuming his role of global chief brand officer, WWD has learned.
The German designer had joined MCM from Adidas in 2018, initially as global creative officer, and was promoted to global brand officer in 2022.
He exited in February 2023, having played a pivotal role in transforming the leather goods label into a full-look brand comprising apparel and a wide array of accessories.
At the time of his departure, the company lauded his “sense for the brand’s heritage and DNA” and said a creative team would continue his work.
Schönberger returned in time to oversee MCM’s spring 2026 collection.
“It will be the first glimpse of our plans for the 50th anniversary,” he told WWD on Wednesday. “My fascination has always been the heritage of a brand and working on that base to create innovative products for a modern luxury consumer. The strength of MCM is the 50 years of history and constant drive for reinvention to remain the youthful brand for every generation.”
In September 2023, Schönberger joined Düsseldorf-based furnishings firm Vetsak, and he said he would continue there alongside his duties at MCM.
He allowed that it’s a “different industry, but the work there really influences and energizes me also for my work at MCM.”
Indeed, MCM entered the home category in 2024.
“It is something I have been advocating for awhile as I feel the brand’s characteristics translate well into furnishing for a new generation,” Schönberger said. “So I take a lot from my learnings at Vetsak to MCM but also vice versa. There is a real connection between these two worlds that I am looking forward continuing to explore.”
At the upcoming Salone del Mobile, MCM is to unveil a collaboration with Atelier Biagetti and its brand Pet Therapy.
Founded in Munich in 1976, MCM is owned by South Korea’s Sungjoo Group.
Schönberger is probably best known for being creative director at Adidas from 2010 until 2018, during which time he brought on board high-profile creative collaborators such as Rick Owens, Raf Simons and Kanye West, and revived vintage classics such as the Stan Smith sneaker.
Born in Cologne, Schönberger attended the ESMOD fashion school in Munich. He worked three years as an assistant at Dirk Bikkembergs in Antwerp, Belgium and Italy.
He launched a signature menswear collection in 1996 and followed in 2002 with a womenswear line. Both lines no longer exist. He has also served as creative director of Joop.
