In one of the most anticipated fashion announcements of the year, Kering and Balenciaga have officially named Pierpaolo Piccioli as the new Creative Director of Balenciaga, effective July 10.
Announced via an Instagram post, the move follows Piccioli’s recent and unexpected exit from Valentino, where he spent over two decades—eight of which he led solo—reshaping the house with poetic romanticism and modern elegance.
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In March 2024, Pierpaolo Piccioli has departed Italian luxury fashion house, Valentino, after 25 year. In 2016, Piccioli assumed full creative control of the Italian luxury brand, following an eight-year collaboration with Maria Grazia Chiuri, who later ventured to lead as creative director at Christian Dior.
Now, the designer revered for his mastery of haute couture and humanist approach to fashion embarks on a new creative journey at one of the industry’s most boundary-pushing maisons–and this is bound to be an exciting and intriguing one.
While the appointment signals a shift from the streetwear-driven and often polarising tone set by Demna, industry watchers are curious to see how Piccioli will blend his romantic sensibility with Balenciaga’s heritage design codes of innovation and architectural glamour.
Image: Instagram @pppiccioli
The announcement comes with ringing endorsements from Kering leadership. “He is one of the most talented and celebrated designers of today,” said Francesca Bellettini, Kering Deputy CEO, praising his creative voice and passion for savoir-faire. Bellettini also took a moment to thank Demna, who redefined Balenciaga with his provocative, meme-ready aesthetic during his impactful 10-year tenure.
For Balenciaga’s CEO Gianfranco Gianangeli, the arrival of Piccioli marks an exciting new chapter. “His creative vision will thrive,” he stated, confident that Piccioli’s direction will uphold and reinterpret the legacy of Cristóbal Balenciaga through a new lens.
Piccioli, known for infusing fashion with emotion and artistry, responded with gratitude and admiration for both the house and his predecessor. “What I am receiving is a brand full of possibilities that is incredibly fascinating,” he said. “I couldn’t ask for a better passing of the torch.”
As Balenciaga enters this new phase, all eyes will be on Piccioli to see how he redefines the maison while honouring its avant-garde roots.
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Images: Instagram @balenciaga
