Sawt Falasteen - Italian designer Piccioli named creative director at Balenciaga

Piccioli, who previously worked at Valentino, will present his first collection in October, after Demna left for Gucci, said the French conglomerate, which owns both Balenciaga and Gucci.

Piccioli's "mastery of haute couture, creative voice and passion for craft make him an ideal choice" to take over Paris-based Balenciaga, following on Demna's "audacious and distinctive vision", Kering executive Francesca Bellettini said in a statement.

Piccioli left Valentino in 2024, after 25 years as creative director at the Italian luxury brand.

Piccioli said wants to "add a new chapter" to Balenciaga's history.

Demna's departure was announced in March, after a series of daring but sometimes controversial designs.

His hits included looks for rapper Cardi B and a headline-grabbing head-to-toe black outfit for Kim Kardashian at the Met Gala in 2021.

His misses included an ad campaign the following year that featured children clutching teddy bear bags with studs and harnesses -- criticised for looking like bondage gear.

Demna apologised profusely in the pages of Vogue, denying any intention to reference child abuse.

He took over Gucci as Kering seeks to turn around the Italian brand, which has been suffering from lacklustre sales.

U.Shaheen--SF-PST