Gucci and Dior creative directors exit amid luxury sector crisis
On February 6, 2025, Kering announced that Sabato De Sarno (born 1983, Naples) has stepped down from his role as creative director of Gucci, a position he held for 18 months. Stefano Cantino, who took over as CEO in October 2024, expressed his appreciation for De Sarno's contributions. Meanwhile, Kim Jones, who had been with Dior Men since 2018, also exited, with Delphine Arnault extending her thanks on January 30. Gucci has faced significant sales declines of 25% in Q3, 19% in Q2, and 18% in Q1, reflecting a broader fashion crisis driven by geopolitical factors and evolving consumer habits. De Sarno's exit package is estimated at €18 million. Additionally, Salvatore Ferragamo replaced Marco Gobbetti as CEO on February 3, 2025, as stock prices fell. Gucci's upcoming collection is scheduled for release on February 25, 2025.
Key facts
- Sabato De Sarno left Gucci as creative director on February 6, 2025, after 18 months.
- Kim Jones left Dior Men on January 30, 2025, after seven years.
- Gucci sales fell 25% in Q3, 19% in Q2, 18% in Q1 of the previous year.
- De Sarno's exit package estimated at €18 million.
- Italy's textile-apparel industry employs over 540,000 people.
- Estée Lauder announced 6,000-7,000 layoffs on February 3, 2025.
- Salvatore Ferragamo replaced CEO Marco Gobbetti on February 3, 2025; stock fell over 50% since 2022.
- Chanel cut 200 employees and awaits Matthieu Blazy as creative director.
Entities
Artists
- Sabato De Sarno
- Kim Jones
- Hedi Slimane
- JW Anderson
- Giorgio Armani
- Gianni Versace
- Karl Lagerfeld
- Francesca Bertini
- Tilda Swinton
- Cate Blanchett
- Matthieu Blazy
- Alessandro Michele
Institutions
- Gucci
- Kering
- Dior
- Fendi
- Louis Vuitton
- Estée Lauder
- Salvatore Ferragamo
- Chanel
- Bottega Veneta
- Artribune
- Valentino
Locations
- Naples
- Italy
- Como
- Riviera del Brenta
- Empoli
- Santa Croce
- Fermo
- Puglie
- San Giuseppe Vesuviano
- China
- New York
- Cernobbio
- Sicily