Kering Appoints Pierpaolo Piccioli Creative Director Balenciaga

Kering has appointed Pierpaolo Piccioli, formerly of Valentino, as the new creative director of Balenciaga, effective July 10, 2025, in a strategic move to revitalize its flagship brand after a challenging year. Piccioli is expected to steer Balenciaga towards a more romantic and couture-focused aesthetic, contrasting with the streetwear-driven, provocative style under Demna, who recently moved to Gucci. Both Kering’s deputy CEO Francesca Bellettini and Balenciaga’s CEO Gianfranco Gianangeli praised Piccioli's mastery of haute couture and his ability to honor Balenciaga’s heritage while introducing his creative vision. The luxury group aims to stabilize and reposition its brands amid falling revenues and leadership changes, with Piccioli overseeing all categories including women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, accessories, and couture. Piccioli’s appointment is seen as a 'passing of the torch' to continue Balenciaga’s growth and haute couture revival, with his first collection scheduled for October 2025. Industry observers are keen to see how Piccioli’s poetic romanticism will blend with Balenciaga’s innovative and architectural design legacy.