Demna, Balenciaga’s visionary creative director since 2015, has today been named Gucci’s new creative director. The announcement was made by Kering Group, the powerhouse behind both iconic brands. “His creative power is exactly what Gucci needs,” said François-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of Kering.
The 43-year-old Georgian designer will stage his final haute couture collection for Balenciaga on July 6, before taking the creative helm at Gucci. In this next chapter, he’ll collaborate closely with Gucci’s CEO Stefano Cantino, steering the house into its new era. According to Kering, Demna’s successor at Balenciaga will be announced at a later date.
“I am truly excited to join the Gucci family,” - Demna
Since founding Vetements in 2014, Demna has consistently centered street style at the core of his design philosophy - a theme he continued to explore right through to his latest collection for Balenciaga. Demna’s arrival at Gucci marks a compelling new chapter, promising both creative reinvention and intriguing challenges. The designer now faces the nuanced task of fusing Gucci’s iconic heritage with his own distinctive vision - an exciting collision of past and future. Expectations run high that Demna will usher in a modern, bold identity, reshaping Gucci’s story for a new generation.
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Demna’s creative genius is unquestionable, but transitions like these bring their own complexities.When a designer known for such a defined aesthetic moves from one iconic fashion house to another, there’s always a delicate balance to strike. Can Demna adapt his signature vision to Gucci without repeating familiar motifs from his past? Francesca Bellettini, Kering’s deputy CEO overseeing brand development, is confident: “After 10 years, he’s ready to change and to have a new creative challenge. He’s really eclectic in his creativity".
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