The fashion industry continues to bring major news.
After weeks of rumors and speculation, Pierpaolo Piccioli has been officially named the new creative director of Balenciaga.
The Kering-owned luxury brand has hired the former creative director of Valentino to take the reins directly from Demna, who is expected to present his last couture collection for the Maison in July, before moving on to Gucci.
Piccioli has directed Valentino for 16 years, increasing the brand’s visibility and fortune over time.
The former Valentino designer will begin his new role on July 10 and his first collection for the Kering-owned brand will be presented in October.
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A change of direction, that of Balenciaga, that has certainly not gone unnoticed.
It seems that Kering wants to evoke the times of Cristóbal Balenciaga through Piccioli’s couture experience, bringing the brand back to a more classic and less grunge splendor.
“His mastery of Haute Couture, his creative voice, and his passion for savoir-faire made him the ideal choice for the House.” said Francesca Bellettini, Deputy CEO of Kering, referring to the Italian designer.
“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. What I am receiving is a brand full of possibilities that is incredibly fascinating.” Piccioli said in a statement.
Like it or not, Demna transformed Balenciaga, Demna was the spirit of Balenciaga, leading the brand to be one of the most visionary and sought-after in the luxury market.
His fashion shows have marked fashion history – with snowstorms, mud baths or dystopian bags – gathering in the front row prominent personalities and world celebrities and often earning the title of the most talked about show of any fashion week.
Piccioli’s Balenciaga will be very different from Demna’s, but no less innovative.
“I must first and foremost thank Demna,” Piccioli continued. “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.”
