Balenciaga appoints Pierpaolo Piccioli as Creative Director
Kering has named Italian designer Pierpaolo Piccioli as the new Creative Director of Balenciaga.
Piccioli will succeed Georgian designer Demna, who is set to join Gucci - a fellow luxury house under the Kering umbrella - after presenting his final haute couture show for Balenciaga.
Demna, who made his name in fashion as the co-founder of the Vetements label, made huge waves at Balenciaga with his exaggerated silhouettes and his subversive take on streetwear.
Now taking the reins, Piccioli will bring his distinctive creative vision and wealth of experience to Balenciaga, building on the success achieved by Demna while continuing the legacy of Cristóbal Balenciaga and the storied Parisian house.
Commenting on his appointment, Piccioli said: "Balenciaga is what it is today thanks to all the people who have paved the way. In all its phases, while constantly evolving and changing, it has never lost track of the House’s aesthetic values.
"What I am receiving is a brand full of possibilities that is incredibly fascinating. I must first and foremost thank Demna; I’ve always admired his talent and vision. I couldn’t ask for a better passing of the torch. This gives me the chance to shape a new version of the Maison, adding another chapter with a new story.
"I am grateful for the trust that François-Henri, Francesca and Gianfranco are giving me. We were effortlessly on the same page from the start, and that is the best way to begin something new."
A respected and accomplished designer, Piccioli is known for his long-term tenure at Valentino, where he worked for over two decades and served as Creative Director from 2008 to 2024 - firstly alongside Maria Grazia Chiuri from 2008 to 2016, then solo from 2016 to 2024, after Chiuri left the brand for Dior.
Before Valentino, Piccioli worked briefly with Fendi, where he collaborated on the brand's accessories lines, particularly handbags. He is celebrated for blending classic Italian craftsmanship with bold use of colour and a sculptural approach to Haute Couture.
After joining the brand on 10 July, Piccioli’s debut collection for Balenciaga is set to be unveiled in October 2025.
Francesca Bellettini, Deputy CEO at Kering in charge of Brand Development, said: "I couldn’t be happier to welcome Pierpaolo. He is one of the most talented and celebrated designers of today. His mastery of Haute Couture, his creative voice, and his passion for savoir-faire made him the ideal choice for the House.
"I would also like to sincerely thank Demna for the bold, distinctive vision he brought to Balenciaga over the past ten years, shaping its identity in the contemporary era. I am convinced that Pierpaolo and Gianfranco will lead Balenciaga perfectly through this important new chapter of its history."
Gianfranco Gianangeli, CEO at Balenciaga CEO, added: "I’m excited to begin this new era at Balenciaga with Pierpaolo.
"His creative vision will thrive, and he will perfectly interpret the legacy of Cristóbal Balenciaga, building on the House’s bold creativity, rich heritage and strong culture. With the expertise of our teams and the dynamic creative energy that has historically driven Balenciaga, I look forward to what we will build together."
Founded by Spanish-born Cristóbal Balenciaga in 1917 and established in Paris in 1937, the original house of Balenciaga defined modern couture with innovations in form and technique.
Today, it continues to uphold this vision through "boundary-pushing" collections including women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, accessories, and objets d’art. It was acquired by Kering in 2001.
