BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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In a seismic shift that’s shaking up the fashion world, Pierpaolo Piccioli has been officially appointed as the new Creative Director of Balenciaga, effective July 10, 2025. The announcement comes following the exit of Demna, the brand’s former creative head known for his polarizing and avant-garde direction, who has now transitioned to Gucci. This move marks a bold new chapter for the Parisian fashion house and signals a fresh creative direction under Piccioli’s refined and romantic vision.
Piccioli, who spent more than two decades at Valentino and served as its sole Creative Director for nearly a decade, is revered for his poetic approach to design. During his tenure at Valentino, he redefined the codes of modern elegance, infusing collections with color-drenched palettes, fluid silhouettes, and an emphasis on inclusivity and emotion. His iconic “Pink PP” and haute couture fantasy dresses made waves across red carpets and runways, resonating deeply with a younger, fashion-savvy generation. This legacy now converges with Balenciaga’s edgier, historically architectural identity, setting the stage for a fascinating fusion of aesthetics.
His debut collection for Balenciaga is set to premiere in October 2025 during the Paris Ready-to-Wear Fashion Week, one of the most anticipated moments of the upcoming fashion season. Industry watchers and fashion critics alike are brimming with curiosity over how Piccioli will reinterpret Balenciaga’s rebellious DNA while injecting his own signature lyricism. The upcoming show promises to be more than a seasonal presentation as it’s poised to be a declaration of a new era for the brand.
Piccioli himself has expressed reverence for Balenciaga’s legacy, noting that the house, through all its phases and evolutions, has remained deeply rooted in its core aesthetic values. “What I am receiving is a brand full of possibilities that is incredibly fascinating,” he remarked. As Creative Director, he will be responsible for overseeing all facets of the brand’s output, from womenswear and menswear to accessories and couture. His creative stewardship is certain to bring not just beauty, but emotional resonance to a house known for pushing boundaries.
This transition also arrives at a critical moment for Balenciaga, which has faced recent controversies and a reported decline in sales. Parent company Kering’s decision to appoint Piccioli is widely seen as a strategic recalibration to restore the brand’s public favor while retaining its innovative spirit. With a proven track record of revitalizing heritage houses and delivering emotionally compelling narratives through fashion, Piccioli may well be the breath of fresh air Balenciaga needs to reclaim both cultural and commercial relevance.
As October approaches, the fashion world waits with bated breath. Will Piccioli lean into Balenciaga’s history of subversion, or will he carve a new poetic language rooted in grace and glamour? One thing is certain: the upcoming Paris Fashion Week debut will be a defining moment not just for Piccioli and Balenciaga, but for fashion at large.
