In a decision likely to redefine the future of one of fashion’s most iconic maisons, French luxury group Kering has named Pierpaolo Piccioli as its new Creative Director of Balenciaga, to take up his new role on 10th July, 2025. The news broke through a joint statement from Kering and Balenciaga.
The Italian designer who is feted for his 16-year reign over Valentino will unveil his first collection for Balenciaga in October, marking a new chapter for the Parisian house. Piccioli takes over from Demna, the Georgian-born designer who left in January to succeed at Gucci, the largest brand by revenue at Kering.
Hailed as a Haute Couture master, Piccioli infuses a poetic and emotionally charged design lexicon, one that is contrary yet complementary to Balenciaga’s typically provocative, conceptual visual vocabulary. The firm declared that he would augment the “achievements of the last ten years” while celebrating the visionary essence of Cristóbal Balenciaga, the Spanish founder of the House.
Francesca Bellettini, Kering’s Deputy CEO for Brand Development said that Pierpaolo is one of the most talented designers of our era. She added that his creativity, profound understanding of craftsmanship, and contemporary sensibility make him the ideal person to lead Balenciaga into its future. She also thanked Demna for his innovative work, which re-shaped the House’s identity for a new era.
Gianfranco Gianangeli, CEO of Balenciaga, echoed that sentiment, calling Piccioli’s arrival “the beginning of a compelling new era,” and emphasising his ability to reinterpret Balenciaga’s legacy with sensitivity and creative boldness.
Piccioli said that Balenciaga has always evolved without losing sight of its essence, and he feels privileged to succeed such a dense heritage and to create something new from it. He also credited François-Henri Pinault, CEO of Kering, Bellettini, and Gianangeli for their shared vision and confidence in his creative direction. Piccioli added that they were immediately aligned, which is the best way to begin something meaningful.
Piccioli’s appointment signals a notable shift in Kering’s creative strategy, reaffirming its commitment to infusing its heritage brands with high fashion gravitas, following a string of headline-making leadership changes across the group.
