Sandra‘s Closet

Georgian designer Demna is leaving Balenciaga after a decade to become Gucci’s new Artistic Director, starting early July 2025.

During a surprise press conference at the Parisian headquarters of parent company Kering, the newly instated Gucci CEO Stefano Cantino said: «I have always admired Demna’s creative approach, that is both unique and powerful. His ability to honor the iconic legacy of a brand while embracing a modern sensibility is extraordinary. With Gucci’s strengthened foundations as a springboard, Demna will lead the House towards renewed fashion authority and enduring cultural relevance.»

At the Balenciaga F/W 24 show in Paris wearing Demna’s designs head to toe.

Both Gucci and Balenciaga, where Demna has been creative director for nearly 10 years, are owned by Kering. At Balenciaga, Demna has redefined modern luxury, earning global recognition and cementing his authority on the industry.

Founded in Florence in 1921, Gucci is renowned for eclectic and contemporary creations that represent the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship and are unsurpassed in quality, attention to detail and imaginative design.

Demna said: «I am truly excited to join the Gucci family. It is an honor to contribute to a House that I deeply respect and have long admired. I look forward to writing together with Stefano and the whole team a new chapter of Gucci’s amazing story.»

Gucci hasn’t set a date for Demna’s debut show, but it isn’t expected to come before September. That means Gucci’s next big moment on the fashion calendar — a May 15th cruise show in Florence, the brand’s birthplace — will be another studio-designed affair.

LoL, Sandra

Photo Credit: © Demna, © Sandra Bauknecht
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Gucci today announces the end of its collaboration with Creative Director Sabato De Sarno after only two years. The F/W 2025 fashion show in Milan on February 25 will be presented by the Gucci design office. The new Artistic Direction will be announced in due time.

Stefano Cantino, CEO of Gucci, said: «I would like to express my deep gratitude to Sabato for his passion and dedication to Gucci. I sincerely appreciate how he honored Gucci’s craftsmanship and heritage with such commitment.»

Francesca Bellettini, Kering Deputy CEO in charge of Brand Development, declared: «I sincerely thank Sabato for his loyalty and professionalism. I am proud of the work that has been done to further strengthen Gucci’s fundamentals. Stefano and the new Artistic Direction will continue to build on this and to guide Gucci towards renewed fashion leadership and sustainable growth.»

Gucci Ancora Campaign by David Sims S/S 2024

Personally speaking, De Sarno have been praised for his collections which I have never understood. I found his collections for Gucci so boring and felt I had everything already in my closet from previous years from designers who were at the reigns before him. The sizing was also absolutely bad.

Gucci gave no hint of who might replace De Sarno but there’s no shortage of big names available, or potentially available, with plenty of speculation about star creatives soon to move on from their existing labels. For now though, we’ll just have to wait and see.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
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