Balenciaga has appointed Pierpaolo Piccioli as its new Creative Director, marking a significant shift in the brand's creative direction. This was announced by Kering and Balenciaga on May 19, 2025.
Piccioli, renowned for his romantic and expressive designs during his tenure at Valentino, will officially assume his role on July 10, 2025. Piccioli's inaugural collection for Balenciaga will debut in the upcoming October.
This leadership change comes as Balenciaga seeks to redefine its identity following Demna Gvasalia's departure to Gucci. Demna's era was characterized by provocative and boundary-pushing designs that often sparked controversy. In contrast, Piccioli is expected to bring a more refined aesthetic to the brand, aligning with Balenciaga's heritage and founder Cristóbal Balenciaga's legacy.
Piccioli's appointment is part of a broader trend of leadership changes among top fashion houses, including Chanel, Givenchy, and Valentino, as brands strive to reinvigorate demand in a cooling luxury market.
Balenciaga's new CEO, Gianfranco Gianangeli, expressed enthusiasm for this new chapter, while Piccioli shared his intent to reinvent the brand's narrative.
As the fashion industry watches closely, Piccioli's vision for Balenciaga is anticipated to blend the brand's storied past with a fresh, modern perspective, ushering in a new era of elegance and innovation. Watch this space.
