Pierpaolo Piccioli Takes the Reins at Balenciaga: A New Era Begins
After weeks of speculation, it’s official: Pierpaolo Piccioli, former designer at Valentino, has been named the new creative director of Balenciaga. The Kering-owned brand announced that Piccioli will begin his new role on July 10, with his first collection for the brand set to be revealed in October.
A Brand Full of Possibilities: Piccioli’s Vision for Balenciaga
In a statement, Piccioli expressed his excitement for the opportunity, saying, “Balenciaga is what it is today thanks to all the people who have paved the way. In all its phases, while constantly evolving and changing, it has never lost track of the House’s aesthetic values. What I am receiving is a brand full of possibilities that is incredibly fascinating.”
A Farewell to Valentino and a New Chapter at Balenciaga
Piccioli left Valentino in March of last year after 25 years with the brand, 16 of which were spent as creative director. His final collection for Valentino was shown during Paris Fashion Week in February of last year. He will now take over the reins at Balenciaga from Demna Gvasalia, who is set to reveal his final couture collection for the brand in July before moving on to Gucci.
A New Direction for Balenciaga
While Gvasalia’s tenure at Balenciaga was marked by bold, streetwear-inspired designs and attention-grabbing fashion week shows, Piccioli’s approach is expected to be more traditional and conservative. Known for his innovative couture and striking use of color, Piccioli’s design language is often compared to that of Cristóbal Balenciaga himself.
A Passing of the Torch
Piccioli also took the time to thank Gvasalia for his contributions to the brand, saying, “I must first and foremost thank Demna. I’ve always admired his talent and vision. I couldn’t ask for a better passing of the torch. This gives me the chance to shape a new version of the Maison, adding another chapter with a new story.”
Excitement for a New Era
Balenciaga CEO Gianfranco Gianangeli expressed his excitement for the future of the brand under Piccioli’s leadership, saying, “We are thrilled to enter this new era with Pierpaolo at the helm. His creative vision will thrive, and he will perfectly interpret the legacy of Cristóbal Balenciaga.
