Kering and Balenciaga have announced the appointment of Pierpaolo Piccioli as the new Creative Director of Balenciaga, effective July 10, 2025. A celebrated designer known for his mastery of Haute Couture, Piccioli will succeed Demna, who led the fashion house for the past decade. His debut collection is scheduled for October 2025.

Piccioli, former Creative Director at Valentino, brings a distinctive creative vision and deep respect for craftsmanship to the Parisian brand. In a statement, Francesca Bellettini, Kering’s Deputy CEO for Brand Development, praised Piccioli’s creative voice and passion for savoir-faire, calling him ‘the ideal choice’ to take the house into its next chapter. She also thanked Demna for his transformative leadership, which shaped Balenciaga’s modern identity.

Gianfranco Gianangeli, CEO of Balenciaga, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating that Piccioli’s interpretation of the house’s rich heritage and bold spirit will usher in a dynamic new era.

Piccioli acknowledged the legacy he inherits, crediting Demna for his impactful vision. “Balenciaga is a brand full of possibilities. I’m honoured to carry forward its evolving aesthetic,” he said. “This is a passing of the torch I deeply respect, and I’m eager to shape a new chapter of the Maison.”

With creative alignment from the start, the partnership is poised to blend Balenciaga’s storied past with Piccioli’s refined couture sensibility. Industry watchers now await the unveiling of his first collection, expected to mark a stylistic shift while honouring Cristóbal Balenciaga’s legacy.