Pierpaolo Piccioli to Usher in a New Era at Balenciaga

In a move set to reverberate across the fashion world, Balenciaga has named Pierpaolo Piccioli as its new creative director, succeeding Demna and signaling a bold new chapter for the storied maison.

A New Vision for Balenciaga

The announcement, made by Kering’s Deputy CEO Francesca Bellettini, marks the end of Demna’s transformative tenure and the beginning of a fresh era under one of Italian fashion’s most celebrated visionaries. “He is one of the most talented and celebrated designers of today. His mastery of haute couture, his creative voice, and his passion for savoir-faire made him the ideal choice for the house,” Bellettini shared in a statement.

Piccioli, who helmed Valentino for over a decade, is renowned for his poetic maximalism, bold color stories, and a deep reverence for craftsmanship. At Valentino, he elevated the house’s codes with collections that ranged from ethereal couture to the now-iconic hot pink Fall 2022 show, and accessories like the Rockstud that became instant classics. His work has graced red carpets on icons such as Rihanna, Zendaya, and Anne Hathaway, cementing his status as a designer with both creative gravitas and global appeal.

From Rome to Paris: A Designer’s Journey

Piccioli’s path to Balenciaga has been shaped by a lifelong love of the arts. Originally aspiring to be a film director, he turned to fashion, studying at the Istituto Europeo di Design in Rome before working in Fendi’s accessories department. Joining Valentino in 1999, he rose through the ranks, first as co-creative director with Maria Grazia Chiuri and then solo from 2016, redefining the house’s romantic codes with drama and modernity.

His signature? A cinematic approach to fashion that tells stories about life, emotion, and beauty. “What I am receiving is a brand full of possibilities that is incredibly fascinating,” Piccioli said in his first statement as Balenciaga’s creative director. “I must first and foremost thank Demna; I’ve always admired his talent and 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.”

A Shift in Aesthetic

Piccioli’s arrival signals a dramatic shift from Demna’s hyper-realist, street-influenced vision to a more poetic, couture-driven approach. His mastery of silhouette, color, and storytelling is expected to bring a fresh energy to Balenciaga, while honoring the legacy of Cristóbal Balenciaga’s architectural genius.

Demna will conclude his time at Balenciaga with the upcoming couture show on July 10, before officially moving to Gucci. Piccioli will take the reins immediately after, with his debut collection set for the runway this October.

The Fashion World Watches

With this appointment, Balenciaga stands poised at the crossroads of heritage and reinvention. As Piccioli prepares to write a new chapter for the house, anticipation is running high for what promises to be one of the most exciting creative shifts of the decade.

A look from the designer’s hot pink-themed collection for fall 2022.