Pierpaolo Piccioli Appointed Creative Director of Balenciaga

Pierpaolo Piccioli will become the new creative director of Balenciaga starting July 20, 2025, succeeding Demna, who has been appointed at Gucci. The announcement comes over a year after Piccioli's departure from Valentino, where Alessandro Michele now serves. Born in Nettuno in 1967, Piccioli began his career at Brunello Cucinelli, then worked at Fendi alongside Maria Grazia Chiuri from 1990, moving to Valentino in 1999. He served as Valentino's creative director from 2016 to 2024, modernizing the house while honoring Valentino Garavani's legacy. His first Balenciaga collection will debut in October 2025. Piccioli expressed gratitude to Demna and excitement for the brand's possibilities. Balenciaga CEO Gianfranco Gianangeli praised Piccioli's vision and ability to interpret Cristóbal Balenciaga's heritage.