Kering and Balenciaga have announced that Pierpaolo Piccioli will be the new Creative Director of Balenciaga, starting July 10, 2025. Piccioli will bring his own vision to the brand while honoring its history, from Cristóbal Balenciaga’s legacy to Demna’s decade-long modern direction.

In a personal note, Piccioli reflected on the journey that led him here:

Every new story has a lot to do with the path that brought us there, the humans we are now and the experiences we have already lived.

I’m not a big fan of predestination but as I was scrolling my personal IG page, I realised that the very first picture I’ve uploaded was the 1967 wedding ensemble by Cristóbal Balenciaga.

Don’t know if I should take it as a sign, what I know is that now I can see the bigger picture.

Being here today, to mold a new story of a house where creativity has always been a culture and innovation a science, makes me feel honoured and proud to continue the story that who came before me already told with respect and assertive points of view.

Balenciaga is what it is today thanks to all the people who have paved the way.

Cristóbal, Nicolas, Alex, Demna.

In all its phases, while constantly evolving and changing, it has never lost track of the House’s aesthetic values.

Cristóbal Balenciaga’s legacy and archive is probably one of the most influential fashion statements of all time. He has done everything before everyone; he has literally 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.

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. He paid homage to Cristóbal in his own way, sharing his point of view while maintaining the House’s core identity alive.

This gives me the chance to shape a new version of the maison, adding another chapter with a new story. My chapter of the House of Balenciaga.

I am grateful for the trust that François-Henri, Francesca and Gianfranco are giving

me. We were effortlessly on the same page from the start, and that is the best way to start something new.

Work is done by people and the way people feel within the work is the only thing that matters.

I feel good, blessed, grateful and honoured to be here, now.

Grazie, Pp