Design

A New Era in Fashion Royalty: Pierpaolo Piccioli Steps Into Balenciaga

The fashion world is witnessing a significant shift as Pierpaolo Piccioli is set to become the new creative director of Balenciaga starting July 10.

Por: Alejandro Carrillo May 20, 2025

Pierpaolo Piccioli brings a new vision to one of the most controversial and conversation-starting brands of the past decade, Balenciaga / Photo via Balenciaga

Known for his poetic and refined approach to fashion design, Pierpaolo Piccioli brings a new vision to one of the most controversial and conversation-starting brands of the past decade, Balenciaga.

Piccioli, born in Rome in 1967, gained international acclaim for revitalizing Valentino during his leadership from 2008 to 2024. Under his direction, the Italian label became synonymous with emotional depth, elegance, and artistic integrity. Now, he takes on the challenge of redefining Balenciaga’s creative direction, a brand founded in 1917 by the legendary Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga.

This transition comes at a pivotal moment for the house, which was originally Spanish until 1972 and has belonged to the French luxury group Kering since 1986. Piccioli replaces Demna Gvasalia, who brought a provocative, streetwear-inspired edge to the brand. Demna’s era was marked by shredded garments, ironic takes on luxury, and viral marketing stunts. He will now move to another Kering-owned house, Gucci.

A legacy rekindled

With Piccioli at the helm, industry experts anticipate a shift back to the house’s original DNA—an emphasis on architectural silhouettes, masterful tailoring, and refined craftsmanship. This could mark a return to the values that defined Balenciaga for decades, a change that may resonate well in a luxury market that increasingly values substance over spectacle

Piccioli’s debut collection for Balenciaga is expected in October. His appointment was announced through his own Instagram post, where he expressed enthusiasm and respect for the brand’s heritage. The post noted that Piccioli, a respected name in haute couture, will bring his creative vision and extensive experience to Balenciaga, while building on the success and evolution achieved during Demna’s tenure and remaining aligned with the legacy of Cristóbal Balenciaga.

Streetwear to sophistication

Francesca Bellettini, Deputy CEO of Kering, expressed her excitement over the appointment. She called Piccioli “one of the most talented and acclaimed designers of our time,” praising his deep understanding of couture, his artistic voice, and his commitment to craftsmanship. She also extended gratitude to Demna for his bold and innovative contributions over the past decade, crediting him with reshaping Balenciaga’s identity in the contemporary fashion landscape.

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Pierpaolo Piccioli’s background is as intellectually rich as it is creative. He studied Literature at a university in Rome before embarking on his fashion journey, working at Fendi prior to joining Valentino. In an open letter, he revealed that the first image he ever posted on Instagram was a dress by Cristóbal Balenciaga, symbolizing a longstanding admiration for the house he is now about to lead.

His arrival suggests a new era for Balenciaga—one where creativity, tradition, and innovation may once again find harmony.

Key information

Who is the new creative director of Balenciaga? Pierpaolo Piccioli.
Which brand did Piccioli previously lead? Valentino.
Who did Piccioli replace at Balenciaga? Demna Gvasalia.
When will Piccioli’s first collection for Balenciaga be shown? In October

A New Era in Fashion Royalty: Pierpaolo Piccioli Steps Into Balenciaga

A legacy rekindled

Streetwear to sophistication

Key information

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