Balenciaga names Pierpaolo Piccioli creative director as fashion houses’ creative upheaval continues

Pierpaolo Piccioli, renowned for his elegant and feminine designs at Valentino, has been named creative director of Balenciaga, replacing Demna Giri, whose departure to Gucci signals a shift away from Balenciaga's controversial "memecore" aesthetic. This move comes amid broader changes in the luxury industry, as Kering, the parent company of Balenciaga and others, faces a 12% revenue drop. Piccioli aims to revitalize the brand with his creative vision, building on its legacy while adapting to current trends.