Balenciaga is heading into another chapter of change. Kering has confirmed that Pierpaolo Piccioli will step down as creative director of the Parisian house after less than two years at the helm.
The announcement was made by Kering chief executive Luca de Meo and forms part of a wider creative restructuring across the luxury group's portfolio of houses.
Piccioli arrived at Balenciaga after Demna moved to Gucci in March 2025. His brief was a delicate one: bring his couture sensibility to a house whose streetwear credibility had been built on subversion. The Roman designer's romantic aesthetic and the label's disruptive codes proved a difficult pairing, and the transition unfolded against fluctuating sales. Kering acknowledged as much, noting that Balenciaga faced a more challenging quarter as the house continued to work through its creative transition and to restore balance across its business.
De Meo struck a respectful tone in his statement, calling Piccioli an exceptional couturier and creative talent for whom the group has the greatest respect. He added that the ambition is to build on Balenciaga's avant garde spirit, honour its remarkable heritage and keep pushing creative boundaries, further establishing the house as a powerful and relevant voice.
As for what comes next, reports suggest that London-based designer Martine Rose has been tapped to take over the creative direction of the house. The appointment has not been detailed in the information available so far, so all eyes will be on Kering for further word on the next chapter of Balenciaga.