After a little more than a year helming Balenciaga, Pierpaolo Piccioli is exiting his role as the luxury house’s creative director, Kering announced on Thursday. Piccioli’s successor has not yet been named, but Kering said “the new creative direction of Balenciaga will be announced shortly.”
“We are deeply grateful for Pierpaolo’s contribution to Balenciaga,” the house’s President and CEO Gianfranco Gianangeli said in a statement. “Through his vision, he reaffirmed the couture origins of the House, bringing his considered approach to craftsmanship, construction and creativity. I would like to sincerely thank him for his dedication, generosity and collaboration.”
Piccioli officially assumed the top position in July 2025, succeeding Demna (who is currently Gucci’s artistic director). Rumors have been swirling about Piccioli’s potential exit for weeks, as Puck News first reported that the designer was on his way out on Oct. 23. Puck News also reported that Martine Rose has allegedly signed the deal to assume the top role at Balenciaga, though Kering declined to comment and Rose did not respond to a request for comment at the time.
Piccioli previously helmed Valentino from 2008 to 2024 (alongside long-time collaborator Maria Grazia Chiuri for eight of those years, from 2008-2016). The designer spent more than two decades at Valentino, first joining as an accessories designer in 1999 before working his way up to steering its creative direction. In a move that rocked the fashion industry, Piccioli exited Valentino in 2024 and sparked much conversation around where he would land. At Balenciaga, Piccioli repeatedly paid homage to founder Cristóbal Balenciaga’s work. For his debut collection, Spring 2026, the designer transitioned out of the Demna-era streetwear into textural separates and elevated (if not striking) silhouettes.
“Pierpaolo is an exceptional couturier and creative talent for whom we have the greatest respect,” Kering CEO Luca de Meo said in a statement. “Our ambition is to build on Balenciaga avant garde spirit, honor its remarkable heritage and continue to push creative boundaries, further establishing the House as a powerful and relevant voice.”
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