Pierpaolo Piccioli Appointed New Creative Director of Balenciaga
Beginning July 10th, the renowned Italian designer Pierpaolo Piccioli will take on the role of creative director at Balenciaga. At 57 years old, Piccioli brings 25 years of experience from his tenure at Valentino, where he served as a long-standing creative director. He departed from Valentino last year, paving the way for Alessandro Michele.
Throughout his time at Valentino, Piccioli garnered significant acclaim from both critics and the public. His collections were celebrated for their originality and elegance, as well as his dedication to inclusivity in model selection and for recognizing the craftsmanship of seamstresses and tailors within his atelier.
Despite his impressive portfolio, Piccioli's design aesthetic is known to focus more on traditional elements, which contrasts sharply with Balenciaga’s current flair—defined by an innovative streetwear-inspired aesthetic that has attracted immense popularity in recent years.
The brand’s recent triumph is largely attributed to the creative vision of Demna Gvasalia, who will vacate his position after the upcoming collection to assume a role at Gucci. Although Balenciaga is a Spanish brand, it operates under the French luxury group Kering, which also owns Gucci.
The fashion industry is witnessing a shift where designers take on roles akin to football coaches, and Piccioli's appointment at Balenciaga marks another chapter in this evolving narrative.
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