French luxury group Kering has appointed Pierpaolo Piccioli to be the new Creative Director of Balenciaga, in a bold return to the catwalks by the Italian designer.
“Kering and Balenciaga are pleased to announce the appointment of Pierpaolo Piccioli as the new Creative Director of Balenciaga, effective July 10, 2025,” Kering and Balenciaga said in a joint release Monday evening.
An accomplished and respected designer, and master of Haute Couture, Pierpaolo Piccioli will bring his unique creative vision and extensive experience to Balenciaga, building on the strengths and success achieved by the brand over the past decade under Demna’s creative direction, and in continuity with the legacy of Cristóbal Balenciaga and of the historic Parisian House, the release continued.
Piccioli – who was previously creative director of Valentino for 16 years- will show his first collection for Balenciaga in October. He succeeds the Georgian-born designer Demna, who left Balenciaga this spring to take over creative director of Kering’s largest fashion house Gucci.
“I couldn’t be happier to welcome Pierpaolo to the Group. 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 the House’s identity in the contemporary era. I am convinced that Pierpaolo and Gianfranco will lead Balenciaga perfectly through this important new chapter of its remarkable history,” said Francesca Bellettini, Kering Deputy CEO in charge of Brand Development.
The announcement marks an impressive return by the 57-year-old Roman born Piccioli, who left Valentino in March of last year, succeeded by Alessandro Michele.
Gianfranco Gianangeli, 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.”
While Piccioli stated: “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.”
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