Demna Appointed As Artistic Director Of Gucci

By Sara Fabek Zovko

Credit: Malick Bodian

From one luxury fashion giant to another, the Georgian designer is making big moves.

After a decade at Balenciaga, Gucci appoints Demna artistic director of the luxury fashion house. The Georgian designer will start at his new position in July of this year.

The statement has been confirmed by Kering and Gucci, expressing excitement at Demna’s creative power and vision and the collaboration between his extended experience and the fashion house. Following Sabato de Sarno’s departure from the house, Demna is expected to turn the brand around quite a bit, implementing his bold, subversive designs into the classic Gucci aesthetic.

François-Henri Pinault, Chairman & CEO of Kering, stated: “Demna's contribution to the industry, to Balenciaga, and to the Group's success has been tremendous. 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.”

Demna's 2021 collaboration with Gucci, the "Hacker Project," may have been the shift that made his appointment today possible. He allowed Alessandro Michele to incorporate Balenciaga's designs into Gucci's collection, resulting in a blend of Balenciaga's branding on Gucci classics and Michele's embellishments on Balenciaga's modern pieces.

“I am truly excited to join the Gucci family. 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.” Said Demna.

Demna now bears the responsibility of defining his unique vision for Gucci and the fashion world is eagerly waiting to see what that vision will be.