Balenciaga news and archive

Demna to bow out at Balenciaga in Paris Haute Couture Week

Provocative Georgian showman Demna is to take a final bow after 10 years at Balenciaga during Paris Haute Couture Week, which begins Monday and will also feature a debut for Maison Margiela's new chief creative. Demna, known for his daring work as well as controversies during his decade-long stint at Kering-owned Balenciaga, will unveil his...

Culture|In Pictures

Retrospective: Kering celebrates Demna Gvasalia’s fashion creations for Balenciaga

The ‘Balenciaga by Demna’ exhibition was held at Kering. Open until July 9, 2025, it traced Gvasalia’s journey as creative director of Balenciaga, from 2015 to 2025. The cross-shaped installation had a religious feel. It began with a photocopy of the first email exchange between Balenciaga and Gvasalia, in which the brand stated it was not...

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Fashion|Opinion

Creative direction reshuffle: Does the trust between CEO and creative director have an expiration date?

With Maria Grazia Chiuri's departure from Dior now official, new appointments are anticipated. It seems as though all that is missing is the station master's whistle and the call of “all aboard” to begin this latest journey towards a new creative direction in luxury fashion. We are witnessing a continuous reshuffling of creative directors; only...

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People

Who is Pierpaolo Piccioli: From his synonymous uniform to his protection of freedoms

Pierpaolo Piccioli's new path has now been unveiled. The Italian designer has been named as the successor to Demna at Balenciaga, where he will unveil his first collection for the Kering-owned brand in October, at Paris Fashion Week. Here is everything you need to know about him. Pierpaolo Piccioli was born in Rome on August 29, 1967. He lives...

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Fashion

Balenciaga names Pierpaolo Piccioli Creative Director amid strategic overhaul at Kering

Kering has appointed Pierpaolo Piccioli as the new creative director of Balenciaga, marking a pivotal moment in the French luxury conglomerate’s broader effort to stabilise and reposition its flagship fashion houses after a challenging 2024. The group reported a 12 per cent drop in annual revenue for 2024, with widening losses at Gucci, as well...

People

Balenciaga appoints Nathalie Raynaud as Deputy CEO

Before the highly anticipated appointment of a new creative director, Balenciaga announced a new deputy CEO. Nathalie Raynaud, previously chief product officer at the house, was appointed to the new position of deputy CEO with immediate effect, according to industry magazine Women’s Wear Daily on Tuesday. In her new role, she will report...

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Fashion|Opinion

Demna’s unexpected move to Gucci: A new era for the Florentine house

The shock announcement on Thursday of Demna’s appointment at Gucci was a fashion marriage many did not see coming. After months of speculation about who would replace Sabato De Sarno—would it be Hedi Slimane, who had reportedly already gone real estate shopping in Milan, or another number two who had been flying under the radar, like the earlier...

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People

Gucci names Balenciaga’s Demna Gvasalia as creative director

Kering has found its new creative lead for Gucci. Balenciaga’s Demna, who dropped his last name Gvasalia for professional purposes in 2021, has been appointed as the Italian luxury house’s new artistic director. He will take up the post early July 2025, a press release from Kering has revealed. The group’s decision to turn to Demna leant on his...

Culture

Demna honoured with France’s Arts and Letters award

Balenciaga’s creative director, Demna, has been named a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, recognising his impact on fashion and culture. The award, presented by France’s Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, comes as Demna marks a decade at the house. The ceremony, attended by Kering CEO François-Henri Pinault and actress Isabelle...

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People

Kering appoints new CEOs at Saint Laurent and Balenciaga

Kering has announced the appointment of Cédric Charbit as CEO of Saint Laurent and Gianfranco Gianangeli as CEO of Balenciaga, effective January 2, 2025. The company said in a statement that both will report to Francesca Bellettini, Kering deputy CEO in charge of brand development, who from then on will be entirely dedicated to the development...

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Business

Can blockchain and NFC chips put an end to counterfeiting and idea theft in the fashion industry?

The fashion industry is facing a double threat: a rise in counterfeiting that eats into their profits and a fast-fashion culture that copies designs with impunity. But blockchain offers a glimmer of hope. Or rather, a concrete answer. Blockchain: Tracking a fashion item’s entire journey A blockchain is essentially “a large, public, distributed...

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Fashion|Opinion

Is this the second coming of designer John Galliano?

If ever there was a star that shone exceptionally bright at this year’s Met Gala, it was that of John Galliano. Despite the British designer not attending in person, his triumphant designs were worn during some of the biggest red carpet moments of the event, including co-chairs Zendaya and Bad Bunny, Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande—who performed...