Pierpaolo Piccioli Appointed New Creative Director at Balenciaga, Replacing Demna

PARIS — In a major shift within the luxury fashion world, Pierpaolo Piccioli has been named the new creative director of Balenciaga, as announced by parent company Kering on Monday. The celebrated former Valentino designer is set to begin his new role on July 10, 2025, marking a new chapter for the iconic Paris-based fashion house.

Piccioli steps into the role previously held by Demna, the influential designer who led Balenciaga since 2015 and is now transitioning to Gucci, another flagship brand under the Kering portfolio. This reshuffle signals a continued evolution of Kering’s creative leadership across its high-fashion labels.

In an official statement, Piccioli expressed admiration for his predecessor:

"What I am receiving is a brand full of possibilities that is incredibly fascinating. I must first and foremost thank Demna; I’ve always admired his talent and vision. I couldn’t ask for a better passing of the torch.”

As the new creative head, Piccioli will oversee Balenciaga's womenswear, menswear, accessories, and couture collections. Known for his poetic and romantic approach to design, Piccioli brings a refined contrast to Demna’s edgy, provocative style, which often tackles political and social themes.

The change in creative direction is expected to usher in a new era for Balenciaga, positioning the luxury label for fresh innovation while maintaining its influential status in the global fashion industry.