Pierpaolo Piccioli succeeds Demna as Balenciaga's creative director

Kering, Balenciaga’s parent company, shared that the Spanish Basque luxury fashion house has found their new creative director in Pierpaolo Piccioli 

Former Valentino designer Pierpaolo Piccioli is set to take over as the new creative director of Balenciaga. 

“Being here today, to mold a new story of a house where creativity has always been a culture and innovation a science, makes me feel honored and proud to continue the story that who came before me already told with respect and assertive points of view,” said Piccioli in a statement. 

He will be taking over the role from Demna, who is now artistic director at Gucci, another Kering-owned brand. Piccioli heaped praise on Demna, whose run at the label has been controversial with Ikea bag designs, ‘destroyed’ sneakers, and a widely panned ad campaign that some said endorsed child abuse. 

“Balenciaga is what it is today thanks to all the people who have paved the way. In all its phases, while constantly evolving and changing, it has never lost track of the House’s aesthetic values," said Piccioli.

"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. This gives me the chance to shape a new version of the Maison, adding another chapter with a new story. I am grateful for the trust that François-Henri, Francesca and Gianfranco are giving me. We were effortlessly on the same page from the start, and that is the best way to begin something new.”

The news of Piccioli's appointment has been met with enthusiasm. Supermodel Naomi Campbell was among those that dropped a congratulatory message on his Instagram post, while fans openly celebrated "no more sneaks and hoodies" in the comments section. 

Piccioli started as an accessories designer in 1999 and became creative director of Valentino in 2008 alongside creative partner Maria Grazia Chiuri. He became its sole creative director in 2016 and is known for his maximalist style. 

The first Balenciaga collection under Pierpaolo Piccioli’s creative direction will be unveiled in October 2025.

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