Gucci parts ways with Creative Director Sabato De Sarno

Never has there been so many comings and going of Creative Directors at major fashion houses. Following suit, Gucci has today announced the "end of its collaboration" with Creative Director Sabato De Sarno.

In a statement, published by Gucci's owner Kering, the luxury brand revealed that De Sarno had already shown his final collection and that the autumn/winter 2025 show in Milan on 25 February will be presented by the Gucci design office, reminiscent of Chanel's spring/summer 2025 collection, which was created by its studio team in the absence of a Creative Director.

Stefano Cantino, CEO of Gucci, said: "I would like to express my deep gratitude to Sabato for his passion and dedication to Gucci. I sincerely appreciate how he honoured Gucci’s craftsmanship and heritage with such commitment."

Francesca Bellettini, Kering Deputy CEO, added: "I sincerely thank Sabato for his loyalty and professionalism. I am proud of the work that has been done to further strengthen Gucci’s fundamentals. Stefano and the new Artistic Direction will continue to build on this and to guide Gucci towards renewed fashion leadership and sustainable growth."

Kering said that the new Artistic Direction for Gucci, the jewel in its crown, "will be announced in due time".

Sabato De Sarno, who previously held the top spot at Valentino, was appointed Gucci's Creative Director in January 2023, taking the helm from Allesandro Michele. By spring/summer 2024, De Sarno's first collection for Gucci, he had wiped the slate clean of Michele's maximalism. Many said his work reminded them of Tom Ford's minimalist era during his tenure at Gucci back in the '90s.

Most commentators agreed that De Sarno put his stamp on the brand, but not everyone was convinced that his designs were ‘Gucci’ enough. Fans of Michele’s irreverence and maximalism weren’t happy with the change of direction, but ultimately the luxury brand’s customers welcomed De Sarno's deep burgundy tones and minimalist codes with open arms.

De Sarno’s exit comes amidst Gucci's turnaround efforts under Cantino, who succeeded Jean-François Palus in January. A slowdown in luxury spending has caused the brand to suffer in recent months. For the third quarter, Gucci's revenue amounted to €1.6 billion, down by 26%.

The news follows a slew of top spot shifts amongst Europe’s heritage houses as they look to revamp the luxury sector. Just days ago, Kim Jones announced his resignation at Dior Homme. Fendi is yet to announce Jones's successor after he stepped down in October after four years as its Artistic Director.

Will the influx of Creative Director moves revitalise the luxury sector? Click here to hear what the industry experts have to say.