Kering new board: Luxury conglomerate in transition – Gucci, Balenciaga and Saint Laurent
The French luxury group Kering is facing the biggest leadership change in years – and the fashion world is watching closely. With a new CEO at the helm, a clear strategic realignment, and a fresh perspective on its core brands Gucci, Balenciaga, and Saint Laurent, Kering is sending an unmistakable message: standing still is not an option. Anyone who wants to understand where the global luxury industry is heading must understand what is currently happening at Kering.
Leadership change at the corporate top: Jean-Marc Duplaix takes over
Jean-Marc Duplaix, Kering’s long-time CFO, takes on the role of CEO during a period that is anything but easy for the group. As a numbers expert, he knows the company’s structures from the inside – a quality that sets him apart from many of his predecessors. Not an external manager who has to find his way first, but an insider who knows where the levers are.
Duplaix is considered sober, strategic, and precise. His focus is not on spectacular announcements, but on measurable results. Exactly what Kering needs at a time when competition from German fashion designers and international luxury conglomerates is increasing equally. This is relevant for aspiring models and young talents, because: Anyone who wants to walk or shoot for one of the Kering brands must understand which aesthetics these houses will shape in the future.
From the Numbers Level to Corporate Leadership
As CFO, Duplaix was significantly involved in the decision of which brands receive investments and which are put on a cost-cutting course. Now he bears overall responsibility. This experience allows him to see the big picture, something purely creatively driven CEOs often lack. Anyone wondering what a model earns will realize in the future that the budgets of Kering houses directly depend on how profitable the corporate strategy is actually implemented.
New Board, New Dynamics
Alongside Duplaix, the entire board of directors has been completely restructured. The new leaders bring international experience in the areas of digitalization, sustainability, and brand strategy. These changes will be particularly noticeable in the areas of casting and campaign planning – good news for everyone looking to enter the fashion world through a casting at CM Models.
Gucci, Balenciaga and Saint Laurent: Three Brands, Three Strategies
Kering is much more than the sum of its parts – but these three brands are its core. Each represents its own aesthetic, its own target audience, and its own challenge. The new leadership has developed an individual plan for each brand, based on realistic market analyses.
Gucci: Return to Substance
Gucci has been struggling for some time to find its place in an evolving luxury world. After years of experimental aesthetics, the house is now focusing on a return to craftsmanship and the iconic DNA of the brand. Anyone considering being a model for Gucci campaigns should know that model measurements and requirements can vary depending on the brand’s positioning.
Balenciaga: Rebuilding Trust
Balenciaga has had turbulent times behind it. The brand is consistently working to regain lost trust – through clear communication, authentic campaigns, and a creative vision that polarizes but does not provoke. This requires models and faces who embody credibility. Anyone considering applying with a serious model agency should keep this aspect in mind.
Saint Laurent: Consistent Elegance
Saint Laurent remains the most stable pillar in the Kering portfolio. The brand has preserved a clear identity – minimalist elegance, urban rigidity, timeless silhouettes. The new board plans to further expand these strengths without compromising the brand’s soul. Anyone who wants to be considered for international appearances at shows like the Paris Fashion Week or the Milan Fashion Week should keep this profile in mind.
Strategy Overview: What Kering Specifically Plans
The following table provides a structured overview of the strategic focuses of the three core brands under the new leadership:
| Brand | Strategic Focus | Creative Direction | Relevance for Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gucci | Brand core strengthening, profitability | Classic DNA, craftsmanship | High – broad campaign budgets |
| Balenciaga | Building trust, repositioning | Authentic, less provocative | Moderate – selective casting |
| Saint Laurent | Growth, brand stability | Minimalism, elegance | Very high – continuous demand |
Sustainability and digitalization as new core topics
Kering has always been a pioneer in terms of sustainability – and this commitment will not only be maintained under the new leadership, but intensified. Duplaix has clearly communicated that ecological and social responsibility is not a marketing measure, but a strategic foundation.
“Luxury without responsibility is no longer luxury – it is indifference in expensive packaging.”
At the same time, Kering is driving digitalization forward. Virtual shows, digital collection presentations, and data-driven casting processes are becoming the norm. This has direct effects on models and agencies. Anyone applying today at a model agency Berlin or a model agency Hamburg should know that digital presence and an online portfolio are just as important as the classic sedcard.
What sustainability means for models
The Kering brands are increasingly valuing sustainable production – this also includes the treatment of models. Fair working conditions, transparent contracts, and respectful treatment on set are not a given in the industry, but are increasingly being demanded by Kering. Anyone who wants to know whether model agencies may charge fees or how to find a model agency without fees is on the right path to a professional career.
- Kering prioritizes sustainable materials
- Fair working conditions on set are mandatory
- Digital campaigns reduce travel expenses
- Long-term brand ambassadors instead of one-time casting
- Diversity in campaigns is actively promoted
What the change at Kering means for aspiring models
The restructuring at Kering is not an abstract corporate topic – it has concrete effects on the entire fashion world and thus also on everyone who is aiming for a career as a model. Whoever knows the requirements to become a model and takes the right steps can benefit from this change.
Kering brands are increasingly looking for diversity – in sizes, origin and personality. This is an opportunity for everyone who previously believed they did not meet the classic measurements. Whether becoming a curvy model, becoming a model in larger sizes or starting out through a model agency without minimum size requirements – the doors are more open than ever before.
Anyone actively working on a career should be aware of the following steps: Become a model steps, properly prepare for casting and create a convincing model portfolio for casting. The question of minimum height for modeling agencies should also be clarified in advance.
Checklist: How to prepare for Kering castings
- ☐ Have professional headshots created
- ☐ Update and digitize your model portfolio
- ☐ Accurately measure and note your body measurements
- ☐ Research agencies with a good reputation
- ☐ Submit castings to established agencies
- ☐ Mark Fashion Week dates in your calendar
- ☐ Professionally design your social media presence
- ☐ Apply online now at CM Models online application
Who wants to gain first experiences on the side will find valuable tips in the article Modeling part-time. And whoever knows which Top 10 Modeling Agencies are currently active on the market has a clear advantage when choosing an agency.
For international ambitions, a look at Become a model in London and Become a model in New York is worthwhile – both locations where Kering brands regularly hold castings. Not least, the Big 4 Fashion Weeks are the place where it is decided who will be booked for the next season – and the New York Fashion Week Dates as well as the Fashion Week Berlin also offer opportunities for newcomers.
- International experience increases bookability
- Multilingualism is a real advantage
- Professional agencies open luxury doors
- Runway training significantly increases chances
Anyone looking to get started should also know how to contact a model agency properly and which runway and catwalk tips really matter. It’s also worth considering becoming a model in Frankfurt – a growing fashion metropolis with direct access to international agencies.
Frequently asked questions about Kering and luxury fashion
Who is Jean-Marc Duplaix and why is he relevant to the fashion world?
Jean-Marc Duplaix is the new CEO of Kering and thus one of the most influential decision-makers in the global luxury fashion world. As a former CFO, he knows the financial structure of the group in detail. His decisions directly influence which campaign budgets are allocated, which brands grow and which aesthetic will shape the upcoming collections – and thus also which models and agencies will be booked by Kering.
How does Kering differ from LVMH?
Both companies belong to the absolute top of the global luxury industry. LVMH is larger and more diversified – from wines, through cosmetics to watches. Kering, on the other hand, focuses more strongly on fashion and leather accessories with a more concentrated brand portfolio. This concentration makes Kering more agile in its brand strategy, but also more vulnerable when a core brand like Gucci struggles.
What impact does Kering’s transformation have on model castings?
The new strategic focus at Kering means that castings will be more targeted and selective. Brands like Saint Laurent are looking for clear, consistent types that match the brand identity. At the same time, diversity at Gucci and Balenciaga is emphasized more strongly. Those who are well prepared – with a professional portfolio, clear measurements, and agency support – have realistic chances of being considered.
Is it worth entering the fashion industry now?
Yes – right now, opportunities are arising. The transformation at major corporations like Kering is creating new demand for fresh faces and diverse personalities. Those who know the right steps, are professionally prepared, and apply with a serious agency can benefit from this realignment. The best first step is a solid application – ideally apply now.
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