By Mark Eglon ,
8 hours ago
IMAGE | WWD.COM
After less than two years in the role, Pierpaolo Piccioli has stepped down as creative director of Balenciaga, the brand’s owner Kering, has announced. The news comes after the departure of Anthony Vaccarello at Saint Laurent and Seán McGirr at McQueen. The slew of recent outgoings is part of a broader creative shake-up as Kering seeks to reinvigorate performance under new chief executive Luca de Meo. Appointed in 2025 as a successor to Demna , the Italian designer brought a renewed focus to Balenciaga’s couture heritage, following Piccioli’s celebrated 25-year career at Valentino.
“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,” said Balenciaga CEO Gianfranco Gianangeli.
Revisit the Balenciaga Spring 2027 Collection
Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:
“Just like that he lost his cachet! The Zegna people should give him Agnona. He wasn’t the right fit. All the blame goes to KERING! Incompetent again.” [ Lola701 ]
“Kering is the wor...

