Kering Announces Departure of Balenciaga Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli

Pierpaolo Piccioli poses ahead of "The Prelude to the Olympics", an event dedicated to fashion and sports at the Louis Vuitton Foundation, on the eve of the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, in Paris, France, July 25, 2024. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq

PARIS, France, November 5 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – French luxury group Kering said on Thursday that Pierpaolo Piccioli was leaving his position as creative director of Balenciaga after less than 16 months, marking another senior design departure as the Gucci owner seeks to revive sales across its fashion brands.

Piccioli joined Balenciaga in July 2025 after spending 25 years at Italian fashion house Valentino. He succeeded Demna, who moved to Gucci as part of an earlier reshuffle of Kering's creative leadership.

His departure follows the recent exits of Anthony Vaccarello from Saint Laurent, Kering's second-largest brand, and Sean McGirr from Alexander McQueen.

Kering Chief Executive Luca de Meo described Piccioli as an exceptional designer and said the group remained committed to developing Balenciaga's creative identity while preserving its heritage.

Balenciaga Chief Executive Gianfranco Gianangeli also thanked Piccioli for his contribution, particularly his work in reconnecting the brand with its haute couture origins.

The latest departure comes as Kering implements cost reductions and broader changes aimed at reversing several years of declining sales.

De Meo introduced measures earlier this year to improve the group's financial performance, although weaker consumer demand in China and the economic consequences of the war in Iran have complicated its recovery efforts.

Kering said it would announce Balenciaga's new creative direction shortly but did not identify a successor.

U.S. fashion and entertainment publication Puck reported that British-Jamaican designer Martine Rose could replace Piccioli. Rose previously worked with Balenciaga as a menswear consultant during Demna's tenure and operates her own fashion label.

Kering declined to comment on the report, leaving the appointment unconfirmed.

The departure adds to a series of management and creative changes across Kering's portfolio as the French group attempts to restore growth at its major fashion houses.

Source: Reuters