The significant reshuffling of fashion designers that began in late 2024 appears to be concluding with Balenciaga’s announcement on Monday, May 19th, of Pierpaolo Piccioli as its new creative director.
The 57-year-old Italian designer has been without a position since his departure from Valentino in March 2024. Since then, his name has been frequently linked to various houses seeking a new creative lead. In late 2024, he was reportedly considered for Fendi, although he was unable to reach an agreement with the brand’s owner, the LVMH group.
Piccioli began his career at a Rome-based fashion house before joining Valentino in 1999. Initially hired to manage accessories, he rose through the ranks to become Valentino’s creative director in 2008. He initially shared the role with Maria Grazia Chiuri, and then held it independently after her departure for Dior in 2016. He remained in the position until March 2024, when he was succeeded by fellow Italian designer Alessandro Michele.
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