French luxury fashion house Balenciaga has appointed Pierpaolo Piccioli as its new creative director, effective July 10, 2025. This marks a significant shift for the brand following the departure of Demna, who is set to join Gucci.
Piccioli, renowned for his 25-year tenure at Valentino, where he served as sole creative director from 2016 to 2024, is celebrated for his romantic and inclusive designs. His work includes the iconic ‘PP Pink’ collection, which became synonymous with the Barbiecore trend, and dressing celebrities like Zendaya and Florence Pugh,
Balenciaga, under Demna’s leadership since 2015, gained attention for its provocative and boundary-pushing designs.However, recent controversies and a decline in sales—from €2 billion in 2022 to €1.5 billion in 2023—have prompted the brand to seek a new direction.
Kering, Balenciaga’s parent company, expressed confidence in Piccioli’s vision to honor and evolve the brand’s legacy.His debut collection is scheduled for October 2025, signaling a new chapter for the iconic fashion house.
