This afternoon, Balenciaga announced that Pierpaolo Piccioli will replace Demna as Creative Director, effective July 10th. His debut collection for the 108-year-old label will be shown during the Spring 2026 season this October in Paris.
In a statement, Piccioli expressed his profound gratitude for those who have come before him, namely Demna, as well as everyone who has worked to build Balenciaga into the house it is today. He said, “What I am receiving is a brand full of possibilities that is incredibly fascinating.” Of his predecessor, he added, “I couldn’t ask for a better passing of the torch. This gives me a chance to shape a new vision of the Maison, adding another chapter with a new story.” Piccioli also sweetly pointed out that he realized recently his first Instagram post ever was an image of a 1967 wedding look by Cristóbal Balenciaga. Though he noted he doesn’t typically believe in “predestination,” he does see it as a sign.
In his own statement, Balenciaga’s CEO Gianfranco Gianangeli noted that he believes Piccioli’s “creative vision will thrive, and he will perfectly interpret the legacy of Cristóbal Balenciaga, building on the House’s bold creativity, rich heritage and strong culture.” Indeed, Piccioli’s CV certainly bodes well for this top job. He previously worked at Fendi and later moved to Valentino, where he worked for 25 years, ending his tenure as Creative Director in 2024.
Piccoli’s vision is grounded in shape and color–his clothes are exquisitely crafted with a focus on tailoring and feminine silhouettes that call to mind the great couturiers of the past. In terms of aesthetic approach, Piccioli is aligned with the history of Balenciaga, the shapes and silhouettes that defined a new kind of sculptural dress for women.
If Demna radically reinvented Balenciaga for a new generation, Piccioli will be the one to evolve it further into the future, perhaps this time with a point of view that skews towards a particular generation or rebellious dresser. As Kering’s Deputy CEO in charge of Brand Development Francesca Bellettini said, “He is one of the most talented and celebrated designers of today.” She added, “His mastery of Haute Couture, his creative voice, and his passion for savoir-faire made him the ideal choice for the house.”
Piccioli is an incredibly respected designer in the fashion industry, but more importantly, he values his team members and the people who help bring his designs to life. During his time at Valentino he became known for bringing our the entire atelier to take a bow with him. He would often name garments after the seamstresses who made them and highlight them and their work on his Instagram page. At a time in luxury fashion when discussion looms on ever-rising prices and creative director musical chairs, it’s exciting to know that a designer like Piccioli–someone who values the group creative work as much as the singular–will be back doing what he does best. The designer closed out his announcement letter by saying, “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 honored to be here, now.”
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