In January 2015, Gucci caused a surprise by appointing a designer unknown to the general public at the head of its collections.
We know the sequel and the dazzling success of the unbridled aesthetics of the Roman Alessandro Michele.
Eight years later, after the abrupt departure of Michele last November, Gucci persists and signs by entrusting the creative reins of the house to a new designer from the shadows, Sabato De Sarno.
This 39-year-old Neapolitan will present his first collection for the brand during Milan Women's Fashion Week in September 2023.
Read alsoCoup de theater, Alessandro Michele leaves Gucci
De Sarno, who began his career at Prada in 2005, most recently oversaw Valentino's men's and women's collections.
In a press release sent Saturday morning, Sabato De Sarno reacted:
“I am deeply honored to have been chosen as creative director of Gucci.
I am proud to join a house with such an extraordinary history and heritage, which over the years has been able to welcome and cherish values in which I recognize myself.
I am moved and eager to share my creative vision for the brand.
»
Unlike rival brands like Louis Vuitton, which tragically lost its menswear artistic director, Virgil Abloh, at the end of 2021 and has still not replaced him, the Florentine label did not wait long to choose a successor to Michele who left suddenly last November.
Long close to Michele, CEO Marco Bizzarri has therefore found a new accomplice to accompany the creativity and growth of Gucci.
"
I am delighted that Sabato is joining Gucci as the house's new creative director, one of the most influential roles in the luxury sector,
" commented Mr. Bizzarri.
.
Having worked for some of the most renowned houses in Italy, he brings a great deal of experience and all the relevance of his profile.
I am confident that, with his knowledge and keen understanding of Gucci's unique heritage, he will lead our creative teams with a distinctive vision that will open an exciting new page in the house's history while strengthening its reference status in the field of fashion and capitalizing on the richness of its heritage.
»
As for François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, the group that owns Gucci, he declared: "
One hundred and two years after Guccio Gucci opened his first boutique in Florence, Gucci is one of the most most iconic, prominent and influential in the world.
With Sabato De Sarno as Creative Director, we are confident that Gucci will continue to influence fashion and culture with highly desirable products and collections, and to bring a unique and contemporary look to modern luxury.
»
This appointment puts an end to the many rumors about this highly anticipated recruitment and in particular, the arrival of Maria Grazia Chiuri, currently at Dior.
It is therefore another Italian, much less known but promising in terms of his CV, who has the great mission of keeping the heritage of this great transalpine house alive.
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