Rise and shine, my loves! It may be the weekend, but fashion is an industry that 👏 DOES 👏 NOT 👏 REST! This morning, though, we’ve received news well worth forgoing our lie-ins for: after months of rabid speculation since the departure of Alessandro Michele of Gucci late last year, his successor has finally been announced.
Taking up the helm at the jewel in the Kering crown — and one of fashion’s true titans, with reported revenues of a whopping $11bn — is Sabato De Sarno, who currently serves as the fashion director of the men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collections at Valentino according to his LinkedIn. Prior to joining the Roman Maison back in 2009, the Neapolitan creative director also racked up stints at Prada and Dolce & Gabbana, building out his already robust CV.
“I am delighted that Sabato will join Gucci as the House’s new Creative Director, one of the most influential roles in the luxury industry,” Marco Bizzarri, Gucci’s CEO and the man Sabato will now be reporting to, said via a press release. “Having worked with a number of Italy’s most renowned luxury fashion houses, he brings with him a vast and relevant experience. I am certain that through Sabato’s deep understanding and appreciation for Gucci’s unique legacy, he 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.”
His enthusiasm was echoed by François-Henri Pinault, Chairman & CEO of Kering — the luxury conglomerate that owns Gucci — who attested that “with Sabato De Sarno at the creative helm, 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.”
Those are, of course, big words to hear from some of the biggest players in the biz. And the task that Sabato has at hand — to develop a creative vision that continues to fuel the growth of what is already a mammoth brand — is, albeit lucrative, hardly an easy one. Still, it’s one that he’s eager to get cracking on with, if his statement’s anything to go by. “I am deeply honoured to take on the role as Creative Director of Gucci,” he said. “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.”
What Sabato’s Gucci will look like is, at this stage, anyone’s guess — although, given his lengthy history at Valentino, there’s cause to suspect that he may be bringing a heady sense of romance — similar, perhaps, to what endeared Alessandro Michele to a global audience — to the role. We have a while to wait to find out, though, given that his debut for the house is pencilled in for the September edition of Milan Fashion Week. Needless to say, we’ll be counting down the days till then.