When Alessandro Michele announced his exit from luxury fashion House Gucci after seven years at the helm as creative director and two decades with the brand, the fashion world stood still in anticipation of who would be passed the baton next. Now, just two months later and after the House showcased its fall 2023 show earlier this month, Kering has officially announced Michele's successor – Sabato De Sarno is the new creative director of Gucci.
In a press release that the luxury conglomerate released on Saturday evening (AEST), Kering confirmed that De Sarno will lead the House’s Design Studio reporting to Marco Bizzarri, President and CEO of Gucci. The core focus of his role will be defining and expressing the House’s creative vision across the women’s, men’s, leather goods, accessories and lifestyle collections.
Naturally, you might be wondering where De Sarno has earned his stripes. The Rome-based creative begun his career in fashion back in 2005, working at fellow Italian House, Prada, soon after moving to Dolce& Gabbana, before joining Valentino in 2009, where he held several positions before being appointed fashion director overseeing both men's and women's collections.
Commenting on his new role, De Sarno shared, "I am deeply honoured to take on the role as Creative Director of Gucci. I am proud to join a House with such an extraordinary history and heritage, that over the years has been able to welcome and cherish values I believe in. I am touched and excited to contribute my creative vision for the brand.”
In just 44 minutes (at the time of writing), Kering and Gucci's joint Instagram post is overflowing with comments from admirers and loyalists of the House who are excited by the announcement – a clear confidence in Gucci's decision to bring De Sarno on board. With Michele's legacy at the House so clearly defined by his distinct energetic interpretation of Gucci's codes, it's no secret that the fashion world will be watching with bated breath to see how De Sarno crafts his own identity.
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“I am delighted that Sabato will join Gucci as the House’s new Creative Director, one of the most influential roles in the luxury industry," said Bizzarri on the new appointment.
"Having worked with a number of Italy’s most renowned luxury fashion houses, he brings with him a vast and relevant experience. I am certain that through Sabato’s deep understanding and appreciation for Gucci’s unique legacy, he will lead our creative teams with a distinctive vision that will help write this exciting next chapter, reinforcing the House’s fashion authority while capitalising on its rich heritage."
Sabato De Sarno will debut his first runway collection as the new creative director of Gucci at Milan Women’s Fashion Week in September 2023. Stay tuned for more updates to come.
Image: Instagram
