In a move set to redefine the fashion conversation on both sides of the Channel, Kering and Balenciaga have officially appointed Pierpaolo Piccioli as Creative Director of the French Maison, effective 10 July 2025. The announcement, which quickly reverberated through fashion capitals from Paris to Tokyo, marks a profound shift for the House following Demna’s provocative decade-long tenure.
Piccioli, the acclaimed Italian designer behind Valentino’s renaissance, is expected to usher in a more emotionally resonant and couture-informed direction at Balenciaga. But make no mistake: This is not a reset, but a continuation. As Piccioli himself wrote in a deeply personal letter accompanying the announcement:
“Every new story has a lot to do with the path that brought us there, the humans we are now and the experiences we have already lived.”
The appointment feels serendipitous. “As I was scrolling my personal IG page,” Piccioli noted, “I realised that the very first picture I’d uploaded was the 1967 wedding ensemble by Cristóbal Balenciaga.” He adds: “Don’t know if I should take it as a sign … but now I can see the bigger picture.”
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From a Singapore lens, where luxury audiences have become increasingly attuned to narrative-driven design and craftsmanship, Piccioli’s arrival couldn’t be better timed. His vision—steeped in romance, rigour, and respect—aligns with the evolving Southeast Asian appetite for quiet luxury with meaning.
At Kering, the sentiment is one of confidence and celebration. “Pierpaolo is one of the most talented and celebrated designers of today,” said Francesca Bellettini, Kering Deputy CEO in charge of Brand Development. “His mastery of Haute Couture, his creative voice, and his passion for savoir-faire made him the ideal choice for the House.” She also thanked Demna for “the bold, distinctive vision he brought to Balenciaga,” calling his legacy “a definitive chapter in the House’s contemporary identity.”
Balenciaga CEO Gianfranco Gianangeli echoed the optimism: “His creative vision will thrive, and he will perfectly interpret the legacy of Cristóbal Balenciaga … I look forward to what we will build together.”
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In his letter, Piccioli pays tribute to those who came before him—Cristóbal, Nicolas, Alex, Demna—and underscores Balenciaga’s unique ability to evolve without ever losing sight of its values. He wrote:
“Cristóbal Balenciaga’s legacy and archive is probably one of the most influential fashion statements of all time. He has literally invented the culture of creativity … and has shown, through his creations, the power of evolution and innovation.”
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Piccioli also offered words of gratitude to Demna, acknowledging the creative torch being passed:
“I must first and foremost thank Demna; I’ve always admired his talent and vision… He paid homage to Cristóbal in his own way, sharing his point of view while maintaining the House’s core identity alive.”
This new chapter, as he calls it, is his chance to add a new layer to the Balenciaga mythos, one grounded in emotion, craft, and collaboration.
“Work is done by people and the way people feel within the work is the only thing that matters. I feel good, blessed, grateful and honoured to be here, now.”
The first Balenciaga collection under Pierpaolo Piccioli’s direction will debut in October 2025, and the industry, from the Rue Saint-Honoré to Orchard Road, is already waiting with bated breath.