Step 2: Wait till a Gold Button appears, click on it.
Step 3: The “Claim My Reward” link will appear at the bottom of the article, scroll down and click on it.
Photo: Courtesy of Demna
Just hours after Thursday morning’s news of Versace’s creative director switch-up, another celebrated Italian label has appointed new talent: Gucci has tapped Demna as its next artistic director.
“I am truly excited to join the Gucci family,” Demna said in a statement. “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.”
Demna will officially begin his new creative role at Gucci in early July. Until then, he will remain at Balenciaga (also a part of Kering’s brand portfolio), where he’s served as creative director since 2015. With previous positions at Maison Margiela and Louis Vuitton under his belt, Demna is also the co-founder of luxury brand Vetements, which he launched in 2014 with his brother Guram Gvasalia (who currently serves as its creative director).
Demna’s successor at Balenciaga has yet to be announced. For Gucci’s top design position, Demna succeeds Sabato De Sarno, who exited the Italian luxury house after two years in February.
“Demna’s contribution to the industry, to Balenciaga and to the Group’s success has been tremendous,” François-Henri Pinault, Kering’s chairman and CEO, said in a statement. “His creative power is exactly what Gucci needs. As I thank him for everything he has accomplished over the past 10 years, I look forward to seeing him shape Gucci’s new artistic direction.”
During his tenure at Balenciaga, Demna introduced his cheeky, irreverent point of view and revived the brand’s couture collections in 2021 after founder Cristóbal Balenciaga shut the atelier down in 1968. He also garnered a strong roster of A-lister clients and ambassadors including Kim Kardashian, Nicole Kidman, Michelle Yeoh and more. A number of awards have been bestowed upon him, including International Ready-To-Wear Designer of the Year at The Fashion Awards (2016), the CFDA’s International Award (2017), Accessories Designer of the Year at the Fashion Awards (2018) and International Women’s Designer of the Year at the CFDA Fashion Awards (2021).
DOUBLE REWARD!
Watch the Video Till The End!
“I have always admired Demna’s creative approach, that is both unique and powerful,” Gucci’s CEO Stefano Cantino added. “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.”
Demna joins Gucci amid an industry-wide luxury slowdown and Kering’s own financial struggles; the conglomerate is bestowing a major task upon the designer to reinvigorate the biggest revenue driver in its portfolio.
Tune into The Fashionista Network to join the conversation with fashion and beauty industry leaders. Sign up here.
Next Article
