His name was already circulating, and now there’s no way back: Pierpaolo Piccioli was named creative director at Balenciaga, succeeding Demna Gvasalia. Cover image: courtesy of Balenciaga
WHO IS DURAN LANTINK? A DEEP DIVE INTO THE BACKGROUND OF JPG’S NEW CREATIVE DIRECTOR
PIERPAOLO PICCIOLI AT BALENCIAGA
Balenciaga exists in a community, Pierpaolo Piccioli told Vogue Business earlier today, right before his appointment reached the bigger press. “This is a new moment for fashion, and you can change the rules only from the inside,” the creative director added. In the past weeks, the fashion incrowd has been speculating: would Piccioli take the creative helm at Balenciaga? One of the industry’s beloved (and disputed) accounts, @boringnotcom, mentioned Piccioli’s appointment at the house, days before the news got officially out.
In March 2025, Demna was appointed at Gucci; his influence has already been visible in Gucci’s Cruise 2026 collection, even though Demna will be starting later this year. He functioned as a ghost designer (or stylist, creative consultant), and Gucci’s design team took notes of his earlier work. Since his exit at Balenciaga, people spiraled about the house’s future. Would a new creative director bring it back to its core, making it shy away from Demna’s thought-provoking, yet sometimes mocking designs? Without discrediting Demna’s work for the house, Piccioli hints at a new chapter for Balenciaga. “Cristóbal Balenciaga’s legacy and archive are probably among the most influential fashion statements ever. He has done everything before everyone; he has invented the culture of creativity; he has infused the idea of couture in every aspect of his career, and he has shown, through his creations, the power of evolution and innovation. What I am receiving today is a brand full of possibilities that is incredibly fascinating. First, I must thank Demna; I’ve admired his talent and vision. I couldn’t ask for a better passing of the torch. He paid homage to Cristóbal in his way, sharing his point of view while maintaining the House’s core identity alive. This allows me to shape a new version of the maison, adding another chapter with a new story. My chapter of the House of Balenciaga.”
A NEW ERA FOR BALENCIAGA
Even though Demna’s and Piccioli’s design visions are perpendicular to each other, his appointment makes total sense. Piccioli is reclaimed for his haute couture mastery, creative strategies and ability to make luxury brands bloom. Gianfranco Gianangeli, Balenciaga CEO, added: “I’m excited to begin this new era at Balenciaga with Pierpaolo. His creative vision will thrive, and he will perfectly interpret the legacy of Cristóbal Balenciaga, building on the House’s bold creativity, rich heritage and strong culture. With the expertise of our teams and the dynamic creative energy that has historically driven Balenciaga, I look forward to what we will build together.”
Pierpaolo Piccioli will start on July 10th, right after Demna’s final couture show for Balenciaga. Piccioli’s first collection will be shown during Paris Fashion Week in October.
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