A few days ago, rumors surfaced online suggesting that designer Pierpaolo Piccioli might become Balenciaga’s new creative director. It’s said that the brand will announce its new creative director very soon.
Previously, the fashion world buzzed with speculation about Kim Jones and John Galliano as potential candidates for the role. This time, however, the rumors surrounding Pierpaolo Piccioli seem particularly convincing.
Pierpaolo Piccioli, often referred to as PPP, rose to prominence in the fashion industry through his fruitful collaboration with Maria Grazia Chiuri. In the early 1990s, they worked together on accessories for Fendi, and in 1999, they joined Valentino in a similar capacity. In 2008, following Valentino Garavani’s departure, Piccioli and Chiuri were appointed creative directors of the fashion house. Their partnership breathed new life into Valentino’s faded glory, boosting the brand’s popularity and profits. One of their iconic creations was the Rockstud, a line of studded footwear that became a global sensation.
In 2016, Maria Grazia Chiuri took on the role of creative director at Dior, leaving Pierpaolo Piccioli as Valentino’s sole creative director. He led the brand’s creative direction until March 22, 2024, bringing unprecedented fame through his romantic aesthetic and masterful use of color. A standout example is the Pink PP collection from the Fall/Winter 2022–23 season. In addition to prêt-à-porter, Piccioli designed spectacular haute couture collections for Valentino twice a year.
Whether Piccioli will indeed take the helm of Balenciaga’s creative direction remains a mystery. Still, we’re eagerly anticipating how this legendary brand might transform under his vision.
