One of the biggest questions in fashion has been resolved: Gucci announced on Saturday that Sabato De Sarno would become the company’s new creative director. Alessandro Michele, hired from the House’s atelier in 2015 to lead Gucci to record profits and a geek-chic aesthetic that permeated popular culture far beyond fashion’s typical reach, unexpectedly left his position in November, leaving the position vacant for two months. De Sarno, the fashion director at Valentino, fills the vacancy.
De Sarno stated in the press release, “I am deeply honored to take on the role of Creative Director for Gucci. “I’m honored to be a part of a House with such a rich history and heritage, one that has welcomed and cherished the principles I hold dear over the years. I’m moved and ecstatic to offer my creative input for the brand.”
De Sarno’s debut collection will be presented at Milan Fashion Week in September this year. It will be for the spring of 2024. He will oversee the men’s, women’s, leather goods, accessories, and lifestyle collections, just like Michele. Before working for Valentino, De Sarno, an Italian born in Naples, held positions at Prada and Dolce & Gabbana. He advanced to the position of fashion director. De Sarno’s experience overseeing the men’s and women’s collections at Valentino, a brand renowned for its messages of inclusivity and youth infused into polished, color-forward ready-to-wear and couture, may provide a hint as to what his collections may resemble. However, it is still too early to say.
Moreover, he used the word “heritage.” De Sarno’s Gucci would be more subdued, unlike Michele’s Gucci, which is a joyful mash-up of designs and concepts from various societies and eras. With labels like Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta, which promote a sense of “stealth wealth” or understated classics like tailoring, traditional outerwear, and ladylike handbags, Gucci’s parent company Kering has experienced tremendous success.
De Sarno’s chance to draw from Gucci’s rich history was also highlighted by Gucci CEO Marco Bizzari, who stated in a press release, “He brings a wealth of relevant experience and has worked with many of Italy’s most prestigious luxury fashion houses. I am confident that Sabato will guide our creative teams with a unique vision that will help write this exciting next chapter, reaffirming the House’s fashion authority while capitalizing on its rich heritage thanks to his deep understanding and appreciation of Gucci’s distinctive legacy.”
“With Sabato De Sarno at the creative helm,” said Kering Chairman and CEO Francois-Henri Pinault, “we are confident that the House will continue to influence fashion and culture through highly desirable products and collections, as well as bring a unique and contemporary perspective to modern luxury.”
De Sarno’s start date needs to be confirmed by Gucci, but he is expected to start working there soon.
