Pierpaolo Piccioli is the new Creative Director of Balenciaga

In a move that marks both the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter, Balenciaga has announced the appointment of Pierpaolo Piccioli as its new Creative Director, effective July 10. The news comes just months after his unexpected departure from Valentino, where he spent nearly two decades.

The announcement was shared via a joint post on Balenciaga’s and Piccioli’s Instagram pages earlier today, signalling a significant shift for the storied fashion house. “An accomplished and respected designer, and master of Haute Couture, Pierpaolo will bring his unique creative vision and extensive experience to Balenciaga,” the statement reads.

Few names in fashion command the reverence that Piccioli does. His tenure at Valentino, particularly over the last ten years, saw a bold return to emotional, human-centric fashion, where beauty, intimacy, and craftsmanship became quietly radical. His appointment arrives on the heels of Demna’s decade-long tenure at Balenciaga, during which the designer redefined the brand with a disruptive, internet-age sensibility that blended irony, streetwear, and couture with theatrical flair. Demna’s departure from the brand was announced in March.

“In all its phases, while constantly evolving and changing, Balenciaga has never lost track of the House’s aesthetic values. What I am receiving is a brand full of possibilities that is incredibly fascinating,” Piccioli said of his new role. “I must first and foremost thank Demna; I’ve always admired his vision. I couldn’t ask for a better passing of the torch. This gives me the chance to shape a new version of the Maison, adding another chapter with a new story.”

Francesca Bellettini, Kering’s Deputy CEO, expressed a similar sentiment, calling Piccioli “one of the most talented and celebrated designers of today.”

“His mastery of Couture, his creative voice, and his passion for savoir-faire made him the ideal choice. I would also like to sincerely thank Demna for the bold, distinctive vision he brought to Balenciaga over the past 10 years, shaping the House’s identity in the contemporary era. I am convinced that Pierpaolo and Gianfranco will lead Balenciaga perfectly through this important new chapter of its remarkable history,” she said.

Balenciaga CEO Gianfranco Gianangeli echoed these views, adding, “I’m excited to begin this era at Balenciaga with Pierpaolo. His creative vision will thrive, he will perfectly interpret our legacy, building on the House’s bold creativity, rich heritage and strong culture. With the expertise of our teams and the dynamic creative energy that has historically driven Balenciaga, I look forward to what we will build together”