By Pema Bakshi

Balenciaga’s Demna Has Been Appointed Artistic Director Of Gucci

And just like that, a bold new chapter for the House looms.
demna-gucci
Demna / Image courtesy of Gucci

With the constant switch-ups taking place across the fashion world, it seemed there was little left to surprise us. But today, in a move that has sent shockwaves across the industry, Gucci announced its appointment of Demna as its new Artistic Director, effective July 2025.

Following Sabato De Sarno’s exit after two years at the helm, the announcement signals a seismic shift for the Italian House as it welcomes the visionary force behind Balenciaga’s reinvention to spearhead a new creative era.

With his subversive approach to fashion, Demna has long blurred the lines between fashion and performance, commanding global influence with his ability to fuse craftsmanship with social commentary. At Gucci, he is poised to do the same, offering a bold, culture-defining perspective that will shake up the industry once again.

In a statement breaking the news, François-Henri Pinault, the Chairman & CEO of both Balenciaga and Gucci’s parent company, Kering, expressed his confidence in Demna’s ability to reenergise Gucci’s creative direction.

“Demna’s contribution to the industry, to Balenciaga, and the Group’s success has been tremendous,” he wrote. “His creative power is exactly what Gucci needs.”

Kering’s Deputy CEO in charge of Brand Development, Francesca Bellettini, echoed this sentiment: “Demna’s profound understanding of contemporary culture, coupled with his extensive experience in conceiving visionary projects, has established him as one of the most influential and accomplished creatives of his generation.”

Meanwhile, Gucci’s CEO, Stefano Cantino, praised Demna’s unique ability to balance respect for heritage with modernity.

“His ability to honor the iconic legacy of a brand while embracing a modern sensibility is extraordinary,” he said.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 01: (L-R) Alessandro Michele and Demna Gvasalia attend The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/MG23/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

For Demna, the appointment marks an exciting new chapter.

“I am truly excited to join the Gucci family,” he wrote. “It is an honour to contribute to a House that I deeply respect and have long admired.”

With a legacy steeped in opulence and a history of revered creative leads—including Tom Ford and Alessandro Michele—Gucci’s future is now shaped by one of fashion’s most fearless disruptors. For those yearning for a reinvigoration of Gucci, the Demna era promises plenty to anticipate.

This story first appeared on GRAZIA International.

READ MORE

MFW: Master The Art of Sprezzatura with Gucci Fall/Winter 2025

Sabato De Sarno Leaves Gucci: All The Fashion News To Know

Gucci Unveils Its Latest Visionary Window Concept, Endless Narratives