Pierpaolo Piccioli Named Creative Director of Balenciaga

Pierpaolo Piccioli, the longtime head of Valentino, has been appointed as the new creative director of Balenciaga, effective July 10, 2025, succeeding Demna who moved to Gucci. Piccioli is known for his romantic, couture-driven aesthetic and plans to build on Balenciaga's legacy while bringing his unique creative vision to the brand. His first collection for Balenciaga will debut at Paris Fashion Week in October 2025. Piccioli's appointment comes at a challenging time for Kering, Balenciaga's parent company, which has faced revenue declines and creative leadership changes across its brands. Known for his humility and grounded lifestyle, Piccioli is seen as a stabilizing and experienced figure capable of revitalizing Balenciaga after recent controversies and the avant-garde period under Demna. The transition marks a potential shift towards a more balanced and diverse creative direction for the fashion house.