Balenciaga announced on Monday afternoon that it has appointed Pierpaolo Piccioli as its new creative director.
He will take on his new role on July 10 and will oversee the men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collections, in addition to haute couture for the Kering-owned fashion house. His first collection for Balenciaga will be presented in October during Paris Fashion Week.
“Balenciaga is where it is today thanks to all those who have paved the way. At each stage of its development, Balenciaga has evolved and changed, but has always remained true to its aesthetic values. What I see is a fascinating brand with endless possibilities,” Piccioli said in a statement.
Piccioli most recently worked at Valentino, where he led the Italian fashion house for 25 years. At Balenciaga, he succeeds Georgian designer Demna. Demna brought his disruptive designs to Balenciaga in 2015 and co-founded Vetements.
“First and foremost, I must thank Demna; I have always admired his talent and vision. I couldn’t be more excited to continue. This gives me the opportunity to shape the new face of the brand, write a new chapter and tell a new story. I am very grateful to François-Henri, Francesca and Gianfranco for their trust in me. We have been in perfect harmony since the beginning and this is the best way to start a new chapter,” added Piccioli.
Demna will officially step down as Gucci’s creative director after the final haute couture show in June. He was recently announced as Gucci’s next creative director, replacing Sabato De Sarno, and will take over shortly after the June fashion show.
The fashion industry is constantly changing, and the frequent changes in creative directors have redefined the DNA of traditional brands. From the replacement of designers to unexpected departures and the appointment of new designers, the changes in talent have attracted great attention from industry insiders and fans.
One of the most talked-about openings is at Balenciaga, a brand long known for Demna’s disruptive edge. After months of speculation, the brand has finally officially named its next creative director, marking the beginning of a new era for the storied brand.
“I am thrilled to be joining forces with Pierpaolo to begin Balenciaga’s next chapter. His creative vision will flourish and will perfectly interpret the legacy of Cristóbal Balenciaga, building on Balenciaga’s bold ideas, rich heritage and profound cultural heritage,” said Balenciaga CEO Gianfranco Gianangeli in a statement.
“With the expertise of our teams and the vibrant creativity that has characterized Balenciaga’s history, I look forward to what we will create together.”
As Balenciaga enters its next chapter, all eyes are on Piccioli, who will assume one of the most influential positions in fashion.