In a daring and transforming movement that is ready to reform the future of luxury fashion, Pierpaolo piccioli has been officially appointed creative director of Balenciaga, with effect from 10 July 2025. This historical announcement not only indicates a new chapter for the legendary French fashion house, but also a powerful evolution in the already illustrious career of Piccioli – a rooted in Poeture Excellency and a major reverence for reverage.
[wp_ad_camp_2]
After a celebrated term of office at Valentino-Eerst as a co-creative director and later as the only visionary-trading Piccioli in 2024, after being revived the brand with his romantic sensitivity and inclusive ideals. Now that he takes the reins in Balenciaga, expectations are high for a thoughtful, people -oriented hercalibration of the brand’s aesthetics. His appointment introduces a striking counterpoint for the edgy, meme-driven era formed by DemnaWho recently left to record the creative rudder at Gucci.
Kering and Balenciaga are pleased to announce the appointment of Pierpaolo Piccioli as the new creative director of Balenciaga, with effect from 10 July 2025. pic.twitter.com/vn1rjacrjb
– Kering (@kerGroup) May 19, 2025
In a statement that underlined his reverence for continuity and inheritance, Piccioli thought about the legendary past of Balenciaga with characteristic humility and grace. “Balenciaga is what it is today thanks to all the people who have paved the way,” he said. “In all its phases, while it is constantly evolving and changing, it has never lost sight of the aesthetic values ββof the house.” His words indicate a clear intention: build on the foundation that its predecessors have laid instead of erosing the feeling that has already reached an agreement with fashion insiders and dedicated followers.
The decision of Kering to tap Pierpaolo Piccioli, marks more than a leadership change – it indicates a broader shift in the luxury landscape to authenticity, emotional resonance and timeless artistry. Celebrated for his sculptural silhouettes, poetic use of color and deep emotional couture in Valentino, Piccioli is ready to bring a well-considered herkalibration to all Balenciaga divisions, from women’s and men ready for accessories and haute couture. His vision not only promises evolution, but a soulful revival of the heritage of the brand through a modern, humanistic lens.
A human phase for Balenciaga
“There used to be founders. Then there was the phase of the creative director. This is the third phase. The human phase,” Piccioli told the press after his appointment. With that simple but in -depth statement, he has encapsulated the Ethos that drives his vision – a true fashion goes beyond spectacle and instead becomes a medium for connection, emotion and stories. Now, with Piccioli officially at the helm of all things Balenciaga, the house enters a chapter that promises to be more intimate, more emotion and to be rooted in the art of Handcraft.
In addition, Kering-the PowerHouse-Moedermaatschappij behind Balenciaga emphasized that this leadership shift is in accordance with its broader decision of the excellence of couture and artisan Savoir-Faire. Francesca BellettiniKering’s deputy CEO responsible for brand development, piccioli praised as “One of the most talented and celebrated designers of today,” are emphasizing “Passion for Savoir-Faire” And “Creative voice” As ideal properties for navigating the next phase of Balenciaga.
A graceful transition from Demna
Pierpaolo Piccioli is the new creative director of Balenciaga !!!!! This is big !! pic.twitter.com/1vhimrte6q
– πππ§π’π¬π πππ§π’π¬π (@pradapearll) May 19, 2025
The creative transition from Demna to Pierpaolo Piccioli is carefully choreographed, with both designers overlap in Paris for a month before Demna’s last show. This symbolic transfer not only represents mutual respect, but also ensures continuity over all Balenciaga departments during this crucial moment in the evolution of the brand.
During his term of office, Balenciaga has again defined, limits boundaries to shifting high fashion with streetwear and cultivating a bold, often polarizing aesthetics rooted in shock value and digital virality. His era brought us dystopian pioneer, meme-worthy silhouettes and a brand identity that felt challenging anti-establishment. However, while the industry again calibrates craftsmanship, emotional resonance and sustainability, the arrival of Piccioli feels both timely and deeply strategically.
Government to Toon, Piccioli recognized his predecessor in his official statement: “First and foremost I have to thank Demna; I have always admired his talent and vision. I could not ask for a better death of the torch.” His words not only indicate humility, but also a genuine dedication to honor the rebellious Spirit of Balenciaga, while he carefully sends it to a future rooted in beauty, poetry and human connection.
What to expect under the leadership of Piccioli
At the age of 57, Pierpaolo piccioli brings decades of experience – and a design language that combines classicism with modern relevance. Now, under his leadership, it is expected that the couture and ready-made collections of Balenciaga will shift. Expect a stronger focus on silhouette, technology and stories tell.
Fashion insiders are already speculating. How will Piccioli romantic codes translate into a house, once defined by irony and brutalism? Will the iconic oversized forms of Balenciaga soften into more smooth, sculptural forms? And can we see a return to daring color and fabric experiments and reflect the magic of his Valentino dresses?
Gianfranco GianangeliCEO of Balenciaga, is optimistic: “His creative vision will thrive, and he will perfectly interpret the legacy of CristΓ³bal Balenciaga, building on the daring creativity, rich heritage and strong culture of the house.”
A new chapter starts
While the fashion world is running its gaze to Paris, the anticipation on the Piccioli debut collection builds quickly. Yet there is no pressure for an abrupt reinvention – only the promise of a thoughtful reinvest. What awaits all Balenciaga may not be louder, but it will be deeper. One thing is clear: with Pierpaolo Piccioli at the helm, the Maison steps into a new era – one that combines tradition with transformation and provocation with poetry.
For followers of all things Balenciaga this is a crucial moment. It is a rare intersection of fashion, creative genius and a daring vision for the future.
Featured image: Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images
[wp_ad_camp_2]
Follow us on Instagram for the latest fashion, lifestyle and culture on Instagram @Stylerave_
– Read too
