Balenciaga x Pierpaolo Piccioli: New Creative Director succeeds Demna

Fashion month brings the next big surprise: Balenciaga hires Pierpaolo Piccioli as its new Creative Director. This marks the end of Demna’s era after almost ten years. The official handover is set to take place in July 2025 – with the first designs for the spring/summer 2026 collection. For Balenciaga, this means a radical new beginning with a focus on craftsmanship, emotion and couture heritage.

Demna leaves Balenciaga after turbulent years

Since 2015, Demna (formerly Demna Gvasalia) has shaped the image of Balenciaga: oversized silhouettes, irony, pop culture. But after several controversial campaigns and growing criticism of the provocative strategy, Kering is now pulling the ripcord. The official statement emphasizes “mutual respect” – but industry insiders are talking about a planned change of direction.

A calmer, more emotional course

With Valentino veteran Pierpaolo Piccioli, a designer who stands for romance, poetry and haute couture is taking over. Under his leadership, Valentino has become a celebrated luxury brand with a sense of color, materiality and emotion. Industry media such as Business of Fashion and Vogue speak of a “human era” that could now be dawning at Balenciaga.

• Away from irony – towards emotion
• A return to craftsmanship
• Stronger proximity to the couture heritage of Cristóbal Balenciaga

Pierpaolo Piccioli who?! Closer Look

Who is Pierpaolo Picciolier? Insides from Valentino.

Balenciaga High Summer Campaign

Here is the entire current video fall / winter collection 2025/26.

What will become of the typical Balenciaga style?

The question of style identity remains open. Will Piccioli shake off the streetwear DNA or cleverly develop it further? Kering is clearly focusing on continuity in the brand core, but on new aesthetic accents. One thing is clear: the industry is eagerly awaiting the first show in spring 2026. The strategic connection to other houses in the group – such as Saint Laurent or Gucci – is also being closely monitored.

Balance of tradition and innovation

Piccioli has already shown with Valentino that he can breathe new life into traditional brands. Will he be able to do the same at Balenciaga? The market for luxury fashion is changing – and with it the expectations of creative directors. Between Instagram relevance, storytelling and social responsibility, Balenciaga must redefine its position.

• First collection: spring/summer 2026
• Handover in July 2025
• Design studio: Paris, 10th arrondissement

Great expectations of Pierpaolo Piccioli

The change at Balenciaga could be a turning point for the entire luxury industry. With Kering’sstrategic reorganization and the focus on sustainable, credible brand management, Piccioli is facing one of the most exciting challenges of his career. The fashion world is eagerly awaiting the new era.

Kering’s new Executive Board: Luxury group in transition

Gucci, Balenciaga and Saint Laurent – Major upheaval at Kering: the French luxury group is focusing on a new management team and a focused realignment of its brand strategy in 2025. Also in focus: Gucci, Balenciaga and Saint Laurent. The new CEO Jean-Marc Duplaix announces far-reaching changes.

• Kering’s new Executive Board: Luxury group in transition