Pierpaolo Piccioli has left Balenciaga after 16 months at the Balenciaga house, with his departure being announced on a Thursday in November 2026.
Many people were expecting his departure from Balenciaga due to differing opinions regarding the designs he created for the house, as the majority pointed out that his design aesthetic is not the best fit for the image consumers used to see during Gvasalia’s era.
Additionally, others indicate that the departure of creative directors in the previous period at brands such as Alexander McQueen and Saint Laurent is part of a planned restructuring path being worked on by the new CEO, Luca de Meo, at Kering.
As the President CEO of Balenciaga Gianfranco Gianangeli said about Piccioli’s Era in Balenciaga:
“We are deeply grateful for Pierpaolo’s contribution to Balenciaga. Through his vision, He reaffirmed the couture origins of the house, bringing his considered approach to the craftsmanship, construction and creativity. I would like to sincerely thank him for his dedication, generosity and collaboration.”
