Pierpaolo Piccioli leaves Balenciaga after 16 months as creative director
Kering announced the designer’s departure on November 5. Balenciaga has not named a successor.
Kering said on November 5 that Pierpaolo Piccioli is stepping down as Balenciaga’s creative director, ending a 16-month tenure. The Italian designer, 59, joined the fashion house after spending 25 years at Valentino.
Balenciaga named Piccioli to the position in May 2025, with his tenure beginning in July 2025 after predecessor Demna’s final couture presentation. Piccioli debuted his first Balenciaga collection at Paris Fashion Week in October 2025.
In statements reported by Vogue, Kering CEO Luca de Meo expressed respect for Piccioli’s talent and said the group wanted to develop Balenciaga’s experimental identity while honoring its heritage. Balenciaga CEO Gianfranco Gianangeli thanked the designer and credited his work with reinforcing the house’s couture roots.
Piccioli posted a statement on Instagram following the announcement, describing couture as central to his professional identity and thanking those who had worked alongside him. He reflected on the importance of care, craftsmanship and remaining faithful to personal values. Balenciaga has not announced his replacement.
