Sabato De Sarno will assume the role of Creative Director for the House following the exit of Alessandro Michele in November. The 39-year old will present his debut runway collection at Milan Women’s Fashion Week in September.
According to press info from Gucci, De Sarno will lead the House’s Design Studio reporting to Marco Bizzarri, President and CEO of Gucci, “with the responsibility for defining and expressing the House’s creative vision across the women’s, men’s, leather goods, accessories and lifestyle collections.”
“I am deeply honored to take on the role as Creative Director of Gucci,” says De Sarno of the appointment. “I am proud to join a House with such an extraordinary history and heritage, that over the years has been able to welcome and cherish values I believe in. I am touched and excited to contribute my creative vision for the brand.”
De Sarno, an art lover, was raised in Naples, Italy. He began his career at Prada in 2005, moving to Dolce & Gabbana before joining Valentino in 2009 where he held positions of increasing responsibility, until finally he got the seat of Fashion Director with the task of overseeing both men’s and women’s collections. He is a friend and collaborator of Pier Paolo Piccioli who is creative head of Valentino.
Says Bizzarri: “I am certain that through Sabato’s deep understanding and appreciation for Gucci’s unique legacy, [De Sarno] will lead our creative teams with a distinctive vision that will help write this exciting next chapter, reinforcing the House’s fashion authority while capitalizing on its rich heritage.”
“One hundred and two years after Guccio Gucci opened his first store in Florence, Gucci remains one of the most iconic, prominent and influential luxury houses in the world,” said François-Henri Pinault, Chairman & CEO of Kering. Kering is a global luxury group that manages the development of renowned houses in fashion, leather goods and jewelry, among them Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga and Gucci.
“With Sabato De Sarno at the creative helm,” adds Pinault, “we are confident that the House will continue both to influence fashion and culture through highly desirable products and collections, and to bring a singular and contemporary perspective to modern luxury.”